Three RiversHudson~Mohawk~SchoharieHistory From America's Most Famous Valleys

A MILITARY JOURNAL
During the American Revolutionary War,
From 1775 to 1783.
Describing Interesting Events and Transactions of this period;
with numerous Historical Facts and Anecdotes
From the Original Manuscript
By James Thacher, M. D.
Second Edition, Revised and Corrected.
Boston, Published by Cottons & Barnard, 1827.

MILITARY JOURNAI.-1780

Morristown, January 1st, I780.-A new year commences,
but brings no relief to the sufferings and privations of our army. Our canvass
covering affords but a miserable security from storms of rain and snow, and
a great scarcity of provisions still prevails, and its effects are felt even
at head quarters, as appears by the following anecdote. " We have nothing
but the rations to cook, Sir," said Mrs. Thomson, a very worthy Irish
woman and housekeeper to General Washington. " Well, Mrs. Thomson, you
must then cook the rations, for I have not a farthing to give you." "
If you please, Sir, let one of the gentlemen give me an order for six bushels
of salt." " Six bushels of salt, for what ?" "To preserve
the fresh beef, Sir." One of the aids gave the order, and the next day
his Excellency's table was amply provided. Mrs. Thomson was sent for, and
told that she had done very wrong to expend her own money, for it was not
known when she could be repaid. " I owe you," said his Excellency,
" too much already to permit the debt being increased, and our situation
is not at this moment such as to induce very sanguine hope." " Dear
Sir," said the good old lady, "it is always darkest just before
daylight, and I hope your Excellency will forgive me for bartering the salt
for other necessaries which are now on the table." Salt was eight dollars
a bushel, and it might always be exchanged with the country people for articles
of provision.*

* In a private letter to a friend. General Washington
says, " We have had the virtue and patience of the army put to the severest
trial. Sometimes it has been five or six days together without bread; at other
times as many days without meat; and once or twice two or three days without
either. I hardly thought it possible, at one period, that we should be able
to keep it together, nor could it have been done, but for the exertions of
the magistrates in the several counties of this state, (Jersey,) on whom I
was obliged to call, expose our situation to them, and in plain terms declare
that we were reduced to the alternative of disbanding or catering for ourselves,
unless the inhabitants would afford us their aid. I allotted to each county
a certain proportion of flour or grain, and a certain number of cattle, to
be delivered on certain days; and, for the honor of the magistrates, and the
good disposition of the people, I must add, that .my requisitions were punctually
complied with, and in many counties exceeded. Nothing but this great exertion
could have saved the army from dissolution or starving, as we were bereft
of every hope from the commissaries. At one time the soldiers eat every kind
of horse food but hay. Buckwheat, common wheat, rye, and Indian corn, composed
the meal which made their bread. As an army, they bore it with the most heroic
patience, but sufferings like these, accompanied by the want of clothes, blankets,
&c. will produce frequent desertion in all armies; and so it happened
with us, though it did not excite a single mutiny."

The weather for several days has been remarkably cold and stormy.
On the 3d instant, we experienced one of the most tremendous snow storms ever
remembered ; no man could endure its violence many minutes without danger
of his life. Several marquees were torn asunder and blown down over the officers'
heads in the night, and some of the soldiers were actually covered while in
their tents, and buried like sheep under the snow. My comrades and myself
were roused from sleep by the calls of some officers for assistance ; their
marquee had blown down, and they were almost smothered in the storm, before
they could reach our marquee, only a few yards, and their blankets and baggage
were nearly buried in the snow. We are greatly favored in having a supply
of straw for bedding, over this we spread all our blankets, and with our clothes
and large fires at our feet, while four or five are crowded together, preserve
ourselves from freezing. But the sufferings of the poor soldiers can scarcely
be described ; while on duty they are unavoidably exposed to all the inclemency
of storms and severe cold ; at night they now have a bed of straw on the ground,
and a single blanket to each man ; they are badly clad, and some are destitute
of shoes. We have contrived a kind of stone chimney outside, and an opening
at one end of our tents gives us the benefit of the fire within. The snow
is now from four to six feet deep, which so obstructs the roads as to prevent
our receiving a supply of provisions. For the last ten days we have received
but two pounds of meat a man, and we are frequently for six or eight days
entirely destitute of meat, and then as long without bread. The consequence
is, the soldiers are so enfeebled from hunger and cold, as to be almost unable
to perform their military duty, or labor in constructing their huts. It is
well known that, General Washington experiences the greatest solicitude for
the sufferings of his army, and is sensible that they in general conduct with
heroic patience and fortitude. His Excellency, it is understood, despairing
of supplies from the Commissary General, has made application to the magistrates
of the state of New Jersey for assistance in procuring provisions. This expedient
has been attended with the happiest success. It is honorable to the magistrates
and people of Jersey, that they have cheerfully complied with the requisition,
and furnished for the present an ample supply, and have thus probably saved
the army from destruction.

As if to make up the full measure of grief and embarrassment
to the Commander in Chief, repeated complaints have been made to him that
some of the soldiers are in the practice of pilfering and plundering the inhabitants
of their poultry, sheep, pigs, and even their cattle, from their farms. This
marauding practice has often been prohibited in general orders, under the
severest penalties, and some exemplary punishments have been inflicted. General
Washington possesses an inflexible firmness of purpose, and is determined
that discipline and subordination in camp shall be rigidly enforced and maintained.
The whole army has been sufficiently warned, and cautioned against robbing
the inhabitants on any pretence whatever, and no soldier is subjected to punishment
without a fair trial, and conviction by a court martial. Death has been inflicted
in a few instances of an atrocious nature, but in general, the punishment
consists in a public whipping, and the number of stripes is proportioned to
the degree of offence. The law of Moses prescribes forty stripes save one,
but this number has often been exceeded in our camp. In aggravated cases,
and with old offenders, the culprit is sentenced to receive one hundred lashes,
or more. It is always the duty of the drummers and tifers to inflict the chastisement,
and the drum major must attend and see that the duty is faithfully performed.
The culprit being securely tied to a tree or post, receives on his naked back
the number of lashes assigned him, by a whip formed of several small knotted
cords, which sometimes cut through the skin at every stroke. However strange
it may appear, a soldier will often receive the severest stripes without uttering
a groan, or once shrinking from the lash, even while the blood flows freely
from his lacerated wounds. This must be ascribed to stubbornness or pride.
They have, however, adopted a method which they say mitigates the anguish
in some measure ; it is by putting between the teeth a leaden bullet, on which
they chew while under the lash, till it is made quite flat and jagged. In
some instances of incorrigible villains, it is adjudged by the court that
the culprit receive his punishment at several different times, a certain number
of stripes repeated at intervals of two or three days, in which case the wounds
are in a state of inflammation, and the skin rendered more sensibly tender;
and the terror of the punishment is greatly aggravated. Another mode of punishment
is that of running the gantlet; this is done by a company of soldiers standing
in two lines, each one furnished with a switch, and the criminal is made to
run between them and receive the scourge from their hands on his naked back
; but the delinquent runs so rapidly, and the soldiers are so apt to favor
a comrade, that it often happens in this way that the punishment is very trivial;
but on some occasions, a soldier is ordered to hold a bayonet at his breast
to impede his steps. If a noncommissioned officer is sentenced to corporeal
punishment, he is always degraded to the soldier's rank. The practice of corporeal
punishment in an army has become a subject of animadversion, and both the
policy and propriety of the measure have been called in question. It may be
observed that the object of punishment is to exhibit examples, to deter others
from committing crimes; that corporeal punishment maybe made sufficiently
severe as a commutation for the punishment of death in ordinary cases; it
is more humane, and by saving the life of a soldier we prevent the loss of
his services to the public. In justification of the practice, it is alleged
also, that in the British army it has long been established in their military
code, and it is not uncommon to sentence a criminal to receive a thousand
lashes, and that they aggravate its horrors in the most cruel manner, by repeating
the stripes from day to day, before the wounds are healed; and instances are
not wanting of its having been attended with fatal consequences. On the other
hand, it is objected, that corporeal punishment is disreputable to an army,
it will never reclaim the unprincipled villain, and it has a tendency to repress
the spirit of ambition and enterprise in the young soldier; and the individual
thus ignominiously treated, can never, in case of promotion for meritorious
services, be received with complacency as a companion for other officers.
These objections will apply to most other modes of punishment, and it remains
to be decided, which is the most eligible for the purpose of maintaining that
subordination so indispensable in all armies.

Notwithstanding the numerous difficulties and discouragements
with which our army have been compelled to struggle, we are happy to find
that a considerable proportion of those soldiers whose terms of enlistment
have lately expired, have re-enlisted during the continuance of the war. It
may seem extraordinary that those who have experienced such accumulated distress
and privations, should voluntarily engage again in the same service. But amidst
all the toils and hardships, there are charms in a military life ; it is here
that we witness heroic actions, and deeds of military glory. The power of
habit and the spirit of ambition, pervade the soldiers' ranks, and those who
have been accustomed to active scenes, and formed their social attachments,
cannot without reluctance quit the tumult and the' bustle of a camp, for the
calm and quiet of domestic pursuits. There are to be found however, in the
bosom of our soldiers the purest principles of patriotism, they glory in the
noble cause of their country, and pride themselves in contributing to its
successful termination. It is hoped they will not again be subjected to a
starving condition.

11th.-A detachment, consisting of about two thousand
five hundred men, under the command of Major General Lord Stirling, was a
few days since sent off in about five hundred sleighs on a secret expedition.
The sleighs were procured, and preparations made, under pretence of going
into the country after provisions. It is now ascertained that the object of
the expedition was to attack the enemy in their works on Staten Island, by
surprise. Our party passed over on the ice from Elizabethtown in the night,
but the enemy having received intelligence of their design, retired into their
strong works for safety, and the object of the enterprise was unfortunately
defeated; they however brought off a quantity of blankets and stores. The
snow was three or four feet deep, and the weather extremely cold, and our
troops continued on the island twenty-four hours without covering, and about
five hundred were slightly frozen, and six were killed by a party of horse,
who pursued our rear guard. A number of tents, arms, and a quantity of baggage,
with several casks of wine and spirits, were brought off, with seventeen prisoners.

27th.-A- party of the enemy made an excursion from Staten
Island in the night, surprised our picquet guard, and succeeded in taking
off a major, and forty men. Our officers were censured for their conduct in
not being sufficiently alert to guard against a surprise. "We are now
rejoicing in having a plentiful supply of provisions and a favorable prospect
of a full supply in future. Our log huts are almost completed, and we promise
ourselves very comfortable quarters for the remainder of the winter.

A detachment of eighty men, levies and volunteers, under command
of Captains Keeler and Lockwood, marched to Morrisania in the night, and made
an attack on Colonel Hatfield. The Colonel and his men took to the chambers,
and fired out of the windows and down stairs at those who entered the house.
Our party found it almost Impossible to dislodge them till they set fire to
the house by putting a straw bed into a closet while in a blaze, which compelled
them to jump out at the chamber windows to avoid the flames. Colonel Hat&eld,
one captain, one lieutenant, and one quarter master, and eleven private soldiers
were taken and brought off.

We are just informed that on the first of this month about two
hundred soldiers of the Massachusetts line, who were stationed at West Point,
pretending that their term of enlistment had expired, marched off with the
intention of going home. A party of troops was despatched after them, and
they were brought back. Several soldiers from other posts followed their example.
The subject being investigated by the proper officers; it was found that many
of them had several months to serve, some of these were punished, and the
remainder returned to their duty. Those whose term had actually expired were
discharged. During the present month, a considerable number of deserters,
both British and Hessians, have come from the enemy.

February.-Lieutenant Colonel Thompson had the command
of about two hundred and fifty men, as an advanced party, on our lines. He
was instructed to be constantly alert, and in motion, that the enemy might
not be able to take advantage, and form a plan for his destruction. It happened,
however, that a detachment of British, Hessians, and mounted refugees, were
discovered advancing towards him, but on account of a very deep snow obstructing
the road, they marched slowly, and Colonel Thompson resolved to defend his
ground. The enemy's horse first advanced and commenced skirmishing till their
infantry approached, when a sharp conflict ensued, which continued about fifteeen
minutes ; some of our troops manifested symptoms of cowardice, and gave way.
The enemy secured the advantage, and rushed on with a general shout, which
soon decided the contest. The Americans lost thirteen men killed, and Captain
Roberts, being mortally wounded, soon expired; seventeen others were wounded.
Lieutenant Colonel Thompson, and six other officers, with eighty-nine rank
and file, were made prisoners. Of the enemy, two officers and eighteen men
were wounded, and five men killed. One of our men, by the name of Mayhew,
of Massachusetts, was pursued by two of the enemy's horse ; the snow being
almost up to his hips, they gained fast on him, he inquired if they would
give him quarter, they replied, " Yes, you dog, we will quarter you,"
and this was again repeated. Mayhew, in despair. resolving to give them a
shot before he submitted to his fate, turned and fired at the first horseman,
who cried out, " The rascal has broken my leg," when both of them
wheeled round and rode off, leaving Mayhew to rejoice at his fortunate escape.

14th.-Having continued to this late season in our tents,
experiencing the greatest inconvenience, we have now the satisfaction of taking
possession of the log huts, just completed by our soldiers, where we shall
have more comfortable accommodations. Major Trescott, Lieutenant Williams,
our pay master, and myself, occupy a hut with one room, furnished with our
lodging cabins, and crowded with our baggage.

20th.-Two soldiers were brought to the gallows for the
crime of robbery. One of them was pardoned under the gallows, and the other
executed. The poor criminal was so dreadfully tortured by the horrors of an
untimely death, that he was scarcely able to sustain himself, and the scene
excited the compassion of every spectator. It is hoped that this example will
make such an impression as to deter others from committing similar crimes.

March.-The present winter is the most severe and distressing,
which we have ever experienced. An immense body of snow remains on the ground.
Our soldiers are in a wretched condition for the want of clothes, blankets
and shoes ; and these calamitous circumstances are accompanied by a want of
provisions. It has several times happened that the troops were reduced to
one half, or to one quarter allowance, and some days have passed without any
meat or bread being delivered out. The causes assigned for these extraordinary
deficiencies, are the very low state of the public finances, in consequence
of the rapid depreciation of the continental currency, and some irregularity
in the commissary's department. Our soldiers, in general, support their sufferings
with commendable firmness, but it is feared that their patience will be exhausted,
and very serious consequences ensue.

April.-A party of our troops being stationed on the line,
under the command of Major Boyles, of the Pennsylvania line, was unfortunately
surprised by the enemy in the night. The major defended himself in a house
till he was mortally wounded, when he and his guard surrendered. The enemy
set fire to several houses, and carried off about fifty of our men, and five
or six officers, among whom is ensign Thacher, of our regiment. The militia
pursued, and retook a number of horses, and a quantity of valuable goods,
which they had plundered from the inhabitants.

19th.-The Chevalier de la Luzerne, minister of France,
with another French gentleman, and Don Juan de Miralles, a gentleman of distinction
from Spain, arrived at head quarters, from Philadelphia, in company with his
Excellency General Washington. Major Trescottwas ordered out with two hundred
men, to meet and escort them to head quarters, where two battalions were paraded
to receive them with the usual military honors. Several of our general officers
rode about five miles to meet the gentlemen, and their arrival was announced
by the discharge of thirteen cannon. The foreign gentlemen and their suits,
having left their carriages, were mounted on elegant horses, which, with General
Washington, the general officers of our army, with their aids and servants,
formed a most splendid cavalcade, which attracted the attention of a vast
concourse of spectators. General Washington accompanied his illustrious visitors
to take a distant view of the enemy's position and works, on York and Staten
island, and of the different posts of our army, while preparations were making
for a grand field review of our troops.

24th.-A field of parade being prepared under the direction
of the Baron Steuben, four battalions of our army were presented for review,
by the French minister, attended by his Excellency and our general officers.
Thirteen cannon, as usual, announced their arrival in the field, and they
received from the officers and soldiers the military honors due to their exalted
rank. A large stage was erected in the field, which was crowded by officers,
ladies, and gentlemen of distinction from the country, among whom were Governor
Livingston, of New Jersey, and his lady. Our troops exhibited a truly military
appearance, and performed the manoeuvres and evolutions in a manner, which
afforded much satisfaction to our Commander in Chief, and they were honored
with the approbation of the French minister, and of all present. After the
gentlemen had received the standing salute in review, they dismounted and
retired to the stage with the ladies, and the troops performed several evolutions,
and paid the marching salute as they passed the stage. The minister of France
was highly gratified, and expressed to General Washington his admiration at
the precision of their movements, and the exactness of their fires, as well
as the spirit and alacrity which seemed to pervade all ranks in the army.
In the evening, General Washington and the French minister attended a ball,
provided by our principal officers, at which were present a numerous collection
of ladies and gentlemen of distinguished character. Fire works were also exhibited
by the officers of the artillery. It is much regretted that M. de Miralles
is confined at head quarters by indisposition.

On the 25th the whole army was paraded under arms, to afford
M. de la Luzerne another opportunity of reviewing the troops, after which
he was escorted part of the way to Philadelphia. The Spanish gentleman remained
dangerously sick of a pulmonic fever at head quarters, and on the 28th he
expired.

29th.-I accompanied Dr. Schuyler to head quarters, to
attend the funeral of M. de Miralles. The deceased was a gentleman of high
rank in Spain, and had been about one year a resident with our Congress from
the Spanish Court. The corpse was dressed in rich state, and exposed to public
view, as is customary in Europe. The coffin was most splendid and stately,
lined throughout with fine cambric, and covered on the outside with rich black
velvet, and ornamented in a superb manner. The top of the coffin was removed,
to display the pomp and grandeur with which the body was decorated. It was
in a splendid full dress, consisting of a scarlet suit, embroidered with rich
gold lace, a three cornered gold laced hat, and a' genteel cued wig, white
silk stockings, large diamond shoe and knee buckles, a profusion of diamond
rings decorated the fingers, and from a superb gold watch set with diamonds,
several rich seals were suspended. His Excellency General Washington, with
several other general officers, and members of Congress, attended the funeral
solemnities, and walked as chief mourners. The other officers of the army,
and numerous respectable citizens, formed a splendid procession, extending
about one mile. The pall bearers were six field officers, and the coffin was
borne on the shoulders of four officers of the artillery in full uniform.
Minute guns were fired during the procession, which greatly increased the
solemnity of the occasion, A Spanish priest performed service at the grave,
in the Roman Catholic form. The coffin was enclosed in a box of plank, and
all the profusion of pomp and grandeur was deposited in the silent grave,
in the common burying ground, near the church at Morristown. A guard is placed
at the grave, lest our soldiers should be tempted to dig for hidden treasure.
It is understood that the corpse is to be removed to Philadelphia. This gentleman
is said to have been in possession of an immense fortune, and has left to
his three daughters in Spain, one hundred thousand pounds sterling each. Here
we behold the end of all earthly riches, pomp, and dignity. The ashes of Don
Miralles mingle with the remains of those who are clothed in humble shrouds,
and whose career in life was marked with sordid poverty and wretchedness.

May.-The officers of our army have long been dissatisfied
with their situation, conceiving that we are devoting our lives to the public
service, without an adequate remuneration. Our sacrifices are incalculably
great, and far exceed the bounds of duty, which the public can of right claim
from any. one class of men. Our wages are not punctually paid, we are frequently
five or six months in arrears, and the continental money which we receive
is depreciated to the lowest ebb. Congress have established a scale of depreciation,
by which the continental bills are valued at forty for one of silver, and
at this rate they have resolved that all their bills shall he called in, and
a new emission shall be issued, and received at the rate of one for forty
of the old emission. But the public confidence in paper money is greatly diminished,
and it is with extreme difficulty that proper supplies can be procured to
serve the pressing exigencies of our army. I have just seen in the newspaper
an advertisement offering for an article forty dollars a pound, or three shillings
in silver. This is the trash which is tendered to requite us for our sacrifices,
for our sufferings and privations, while in the service of our country. It
is but a sordid pittance even for our common purposes while in camp, but those
who have families dependant on them at home, are reduced to a deplorable condition.
In consequence of this state of things, a considerable number of officers
have been compelled to resign their commissions.* His Excellency General Washington,
is perplexed with an apprehension that he shall lose many of his most experienced
and valuable officers; and knowing the injustice which they suffer, he has
taken a warm interest in their cause, and repeatedly represented to Congress
the absolute necessity of making such provision as will encourage the officers
to continue in service to the end of the war. This subject he has pressed
with such earnestness and solicitude, as at length to effect the desired purpose.
Congress have resolved that all officers of the line of the army who shall
continue in service till the close of the war, shall be entitled to half pay
during life, and the depreciation of their pay shall be made good ; and also
that they shall receive a number of acres of land, in proportion to their
rank, at the close of the war. This measure meets the approbation, and is
satisfactory to those who are to be entitled to the provision ; but it includes
the officers of the line of the army, only ; it is not extended to the medical
staff, and they consider themselves pointedly neglected. Why are the officers
of the line allowed this exclusive act of justice, a compensation for the
depreciation of the currency ? If it is just for the line, what reasons can
be assigned why the staff officers should not be included, when the depreciation
is known to be common to both ? Equal justice should be the motto of every
government. The officers on the staff have a right to think themselves treated
with the most flagrant injustice.

A committee have arrived in camp, from Congress, for the purpose
of investigating the circumstances and condition of the army, and of redressing
our grievances, if in their power. The regimental surgeons .and mates have
convened, and chosen a committee of three, to wait on the committee

* The British in New York counterfeited our paper
currency by cartloads and sent it into the country, with the sordid view of
increasing its depreciation. The officers of the Jersey line addressed a memorial
to their state legislature, setting forth " that four months pay of a
soldier would not procure for his family a single bushel of wheat; that the
pay of a colonel would not purchase oats for his horse; that a common laborer
or express rider received four times as much as an American officer."
They urged that " unless a speedy and ample remedy was provided, the
total dissolution of their line was inevitable." The officers of whole
lines announced their determination to quit the service. The personal influence
of General Washington was exerted with the officers in preventing their adoption
of such ruinous measures, and with the states to remove the causes which led
to them.
RAMSAY.

of Congress, and to present for their consideration our complaints
and grievances, and to inquire whether we are to be included in the resolve
making provision for regimental officers, and entitled to the emoluments granted
to the line of the army ? The committee replied, that they could not give
a decisive answer, that the subject of our complaints did not come under their
cognizance, but that they would make the proper representation to Congress.

Our brigade was paraded for inspection and review by Baron Steuben,
in the presence of his Excellency General Washington. The troops appeared
to much advantage, and the officers received the thanks of the Baron for the
military and soldierly appearance of the men.

10th.-Dined with Colonel Jackson, who entertained a party
of gentlemen. Our table was not ornamented with numerous covers, our fare
was frugal, but decent. Colonel Jackson possesses a liberal and generous spirit,
and entertains his friends in the kindest manner. We sat at table till evening,
enjoying the conversation of the learned Doctor Shippin, director general
of the hospital department, accompanied by Colonel Proctor and Major Eustis.

The Marquis de la Fayette has just arrived at head quarters,
lately from France. The safe return of this respectable personage, is matter
of joy and congratulation.

26th-Eleven soldiers are condemned to suffer death for
various crimes, three of whom are sentenced to he shot; the whole number were
prepared for execution this day, but pardons were granted, by the Commander
in Chief, to those who were to have been shot, and to seven others, while
under the gallows. This was a most solemn and affecting scene, capable of
torturing the feelings even of the most callous breast. The wretched criminals
were brought in carts to the place of execution. Mr. Rogers, the chaplain,
attended them to the gallows, addressed them in a very pathetic manner, impressing
on their minds the heinousness of their crimes, the justice of their sentence,
and the high importance of a preparation for death. The criminals were placed
side by side, on the scaffold, with halters round their necks, their coffins
before their eyes, their graves open to their view, and thousands of spectators
bemoaning their awful doom. The moment approaches when every eye is fixed
in expectation of beholding the agonies of death, the eyes of the victims
are already closed from the light of this world. At this awful moment, while
their fervent prayers are ascending to Heaven, an officer comes forward and
reads a reprieve for seven of them by the Commander in Chief. The trembling
criminals are now divested of the implements of death, and their bleeding
hearts leap for joy. How exquisitely rapturous must be the transition, when
snatched from the agonizing horrors of a cruel death, and mercifully restored
to the enjoyment of a life that had been forfeited ! No pen can describe the
emotions which must have agitated their souls. They were scarcely able to
remove from the scaffold without assistance. The chaplain reminded them of
the gratitude they owed the Commander in Chief, for his clemency towards them,
and that the only return in their power to make, was a life devoted to the
faithful discharge of their duty. The criminal who was executed, had been
guilty of forging a number of discharges, by which he and more than a hundred
soldiers had left the army. He appeared to be penitent, and behaved with uncommon
fortitude and resolution. He addressed the soldiers, desired them to be faithful
to their country and obedient to their officers, and advised the officers
to be punctual in all their engagements to the soldiers, and give them no
cause no desert. He examined the halter, and told the hangman the knot was
not made right, and that the rope was not strong enough, as he was a heavy
man. Having adjusted the knot and fixed it round his own neck, he was swung
off instantly. The rope broke, and he fell to the ground, by which he was
very much bruised. He calmly reascended the ladder and said, " I told
you the rope was not strong enough, do get a stronger one." Another being
procured, he was launched into eternity.

29th.-Four battalions of our troops were paraded for
review by the committee of Congress, in the presence of General Washington
; they were duly honored with the military salute.

We are again visited with the calamity of which we have so often
complained, a great scarcity of provisions of every kind. Our poor soldiers
are reduced to the very verge of famine ; their patience is exhausted by complicated
sufferings, and their spirits are almost broken. It is with extreme pain that
we perceive in the ranks of the soldiers a sensible diminution of that enthusiastic
patriotism, and that ardent attachment to our cause, by which they were formerly
distinguished. Much praise is due to the officers of every grade, who make
all possible exertions to encourage, to and to soothe the desponding spirits
of the soldiery. Under the most trying circumstances however, both officers
and soldiers retain their full confidence in the wisdom and goodness of our
illustrious Commander in Chief, whom they almost adore, looking up to him
as children to an affectionate father, participating in the same sufferings.
Another source of disatisfaction is the great inequality subsisting among
the soldiers respecting their pecuniary compensation. Those who enlisted at
an early period, for a small bounty, now find in the ranks with themselves,
others who have recently enlisted for a bounty of more than ten times the
nominal value. This, as may be supposed, excites the most poignant chagrin
and disgust, and with other causes of discontent, has produced a considerable
degree of relaxation in discipline, and an unusual number of desertions from
our ranks. An event still more alarming occurred on the 25th instant. Two
regiments of the Connecticut line took the liberty to paradee without their
officers, and in the spirit of mutiny, resolved to march into the country
to relieve themselves from present difficulties, and to furnish themselves
with progress at all hazards. Colonel Meigs, in attempting to restore order,
received a blow from one of the mutineers. A brigade of Penusylvanians was
ordered to arrest their progress. The leaders were secured, and the two regiments
were returned to their duty. Their complaints are, that they have too long
served the public without any present, or a prospect of future recompense
; that their sufferings are insupportable, that their pay is five months in
arrear, and that it is of no value when received. These circumstances are
known to be substantially true, and in justice they ought, and undoubtedly
will, be admitted in extenuation of the crime which they have committed. It
is nevertheless indispensably important, that every symptom of insubordination
should be crushed as soon as discovered, lest the example become contagious,
and involve the whole army in ruin.

June.-In consequence of some movements of the enemy,
our brigade was ordered to Chatham. A party of the enemy, about five thousand
strong, came out of New York on the 7th instant, to a place called Connecticut
Farms, where they burnt a few houses and plundered the inhabitants, but being
opposed by General Maxwell's brigade of Jersey troops, and the militia, who
turned out with spirit, they soon retreated to Elizabethtown point, with some
loss, and were ursued by our troops. In this little skirmish, the British
General Stirling received a wound, which it is supposed will prove mortal.
A number of other officers and soldiers, on the side of the British, were
killed and wounded, and twenty prisoners taken by our militia. Our loss does
not exceed ten or twelve killed, and twenty or thirty wounded.

Among the horrid and barbarous deeds of the enemy, one has just
been perpetrated, which will be an everlasting stigma on the British character.
In the vicinity of the Connecticut Farms, state of New Jersey, resided the
Rev. James Caldwell, a Presbyterian minister. This gentleman had uniformly
taken an active part with his parishioners on the side of the Americans, in
consequence of which he was marked for British vengeance. On the approach
of the enemy, he retired into the country, leaving his lady with the care
of the family, supposing that the customary respect for the female character
would be a pledge for her safety. On the arrival of the royal troops, Mrs.
Caldwell entertained the officers with refreshments, and after they had retired,
she and a young woman having Mrs. Caldwell's infant child in her arms, seated
themselves on the bed, when a soldier came and put his gun into the window
of the room; Mrs. Caldwell said " don't attempt to scare me," he
shot her through the breast and she instantly expired. A British officer soon
after came, and throwing his cloak over the corpse, carried it to the next
house. Thus was murdered an amiable and excellent lady, aad a worthy husband
left with nine children, destitute of even a change of clothes, or any thing
to render them comfortable. The house and every article belonging to this
respectable family were consumed, together with the church and thirteen dwelling
houses. The British, during their excursion, took the opportunity of distributing
a number of handbills, containing a pompous account of the capture of Charleston,
South Carolina, by Sir Henry Clinton, with the garrison, commanded by Major
General Lincoln. This unfortunate event is now confirmed by Generals Arnold
and Wayne, who have just arrived from Philadelphia. General Lincoln was posted
in the town of Charleston, with a force consisting of between two and three
thousand men, including militia and seamen. General Clinton invested the town
with a powerful fleet, and an army of thirteen thousand strong. He proceeded
with regular approaches, till he advanced within twenty-five yards of the
American lines, and repeatedly demanded the surrender of the garrison. Through
the very judicious management of General Lincoln, the siege was protracted
from the 13th of April to the 12th of May ; and during fifteen days of this
time his troops were reduced to an allowance of six ounces of pork a man,
and for the last six days, to one and a half pint of rice, and three ounces
of sugar, a day. General Lincoln had to consult the interest and opinions
of the inhabitants, which greatly increased his embarrassments. At length
the lines of defence being almost entirely demolished, by an incessant bombardment
and cannonade, the besieged were reduced to the last extremity, and being
in hourly expectation of an assault, it was agreed between General Lincoln
and the principal inhabitants, that the town and garrison should be surrendered
by capitulation. General Lincoln, in this most important transaction of his
life, manifested a cool intrepidity, a zealous perseverance, and a presence
of mind which proclaim him preeminently qualified to encounter the extreme
difficulties and dangers, in which he was involved ; and the terms of surrender
were as honorable as could have been expected.

15th.-Major Lee, from Virginia, has just arrived in camp,
with a beautiful corps of light horse, the men in complete uniform, and the
horses very elegant and finely disciplined. Major Lee is said to be a man
of great spirit and enterprise, and much important service is expected from
him. By a gentleman just from New York, we are informed that General Stirling
died a few days ago of the wounds which he received in the skirmish with our
troops on the 7th instant.

16th.-A soldier of the Jersey line was hanged for attempting
to desert to the enemy. This is one of those hardened villains who were pardoned
under the gallows about three weeks since.

19th.-Four emissaries from the enemy, were found concealed
in a barn, belonging to a tory, in the vicinity of our lines ; one of them,
their leader, refused to surrender, and was killed on the spot. The other
three were tried by a court martial, and being convicted as spies, were sentenced
to be hanged. These unfoltthate young men came to the gallows overwhelmed
witlnhe horrors of death. Their whole frames were thrown into a tremor, and
they were tortured at the sight of the gallows and halters. They had flattered
themselves that mercy would be extended to them, and that they would either
be pardoned, or their lives be prolonged for a few days; but when they found
that the executioner was about to perform his office, their mournful cries
and lamentations were distressing beyond description, It has somewhere been
noted that a girl walked seven miles in a torrent of rain, to see a man hanged,
and returned in tears, because the criminal was reprieved ; on the present
occasion, a heart so full of depravity, might have enjoyed an indulgence even
to safety.

The enemy in New York are reported to be in motion, and we shall
probably very soon be called to engage in battle. General orders are issued
for the whole army to be in readiness to march at a moment's warning. At six
o'clock in the morning of the 23d, the alarm guns were fired, and the drums
throughout our camp beat to arms, announcing the approach of the enemy; the
whole army is instantly in motion, the scene to my contemplation is awfully
sublime, yet animation and composure seem to pervade every countenance. The
present hour is undoubtedly pregnant with death and carnage; every arm is
nerved for defence, and every heart, it is presumed, fortified to abide its
destiny. Soon after the alarm, our advanced party, consisting of General Maxwell's
brigade; and a few militia, discovered the enemy advancing towards the village
of Springfield. A close engagement with the enemy's advance immediately ensued;
but being pressed by four times our number, General Maxwell, after an obstinate
resistance, was obliged to retreat, till a reenforcement could arrive. Our
brigade, commanded by General Stark, soon joined Maxwell, on the high ground
near the village of Springfield. Colonel Angel's regiment, of Rhode Island,
with several small parties, were posted at a bridge over which the enemy were
to pass, and their whole force, of five or six thousand men, was actually
held in check by these brave soldiers for more than forty minutes, amidst
the severest firing of cannon and musketry. The enemy, however, with their
superior force, advanced into the village, and wantonly set fire to the buildings.
We had the mortification of beholding the church, and twenty or thirty dwelling
houses and other buildings, in a blaze, and they were soon consumed to ashes.
Having thus completed their great enterprise, and acquired to themselves the
honor of burning a village, they made a precipitate retreat to Elizabeth Point,
and the ensuing night crossed over to Staten IsIand. Our brigade was ordered
to pursue the retreating enemy, but we could not overtake them; we discovered
several fresh graves, and found fifteen dead bodies, which they left In the
field, and which we burled. We were informed by the inhabitants, that they
carried off eight or ten wagon loads of dead and wounded. Our militia took
fifteen prisoners. General Knyphausen was the commander, and his force consisted
of five or six thousand men; the particuar object of the expedition is not
ascertained ; if it was to force their way to Morristown, to destroy our magazines
and stores, they were disappointed ; if to burn the village of Springfield,
they are welcome to the honor of the exploit. Our troops were commanded by
Major General Greene ; not more than one thousand were brought into action
at any one time ; their conduct was marked with the commendable coolness and
intrepidity of veteran troops. Colonel Angel's regiment, in a special manner,
acquired immortal honor, by its unexampled bravery. In the heat of the action,
some soldiers brought to me in a blanket, Captain Lieutenant Thompson, of
the artillery, who had received a most formidable wound, a cannon ball having
passed through both his thighs near the knee joint. With painful anxiety,
the poor man inquired if I would amputate both his thighs; sparing his feelings,
I evaded his inquiry, and directed him to be carried to the hospital tent
in the rear, where he would receive the attention of the surgeons. "
All that a man hath will he give for his life." He expired in a few hours.
While advancing against the enemy, my attention was directed to a wounded
soldier in the field. I dismounted and left my horse at a rail fence ; it
was not long before a cannon ball shattered a rail within a few feet of my
horse, and some soldiers were sent to take charge of the wounded man, and
to tell me it was time to retire. I now perceived that our party had retreated,
and our regiment had passed me. I immediately mounted and applied spurs to
my horse, that I might gain the front of our regiment. Colonel Jackson being
in the rear, smiled as I passed him; but as my duty did not require my exposure,
I felt at liberty to seek a place of safety. It may be considered a singular
circumstance, that the soldier above mentioned was wounded by the wind of
a cannon ball. His arm was fractured above the elbow, without the smallest
perceptible injury to his clothes, or contusion or discoloration of the skin.
He made no complaint, but I observed he was feeble and a little confused in
his mind. He received proper attention, but expired the next day. The idea
of injury by the wind of a ball, I learn, is not new, instances of the kind
have, it is said, occurred in naval battles, and are almost constantly attended
with fatal effects.

Our troops in camp are in general healthy, but we are troubled
with many perplexing instances of indisposition, occasioned by absence from
home, called by Dr. Cullen nostalgia., or home sickness. This complaint is
frequent among the militia, and recruits from New England. They become dull
and melancholy, with loss of appetite, restless nights, and great weakness.
In some instances they become so hypochondriacal as to be proper subjects
for the hospital. This disease is in many instances cured by the raillery
of the old soldiers, but is generally suspended by a constant and active engagement
of the mind, as by the drill exercise, camp discipline, and by uncommon anxiety,
occasioned by the prospect of a battle.

Prackanes, July.-Our brigade marched from Short Hills
on the 25th of June, and arrived at Prackanes, Jersey, the 1st of July. I
rode with Dr. Tenney, and Captain Hughes, about five miles, to take a view
of the Passaic falls, called by some Totowa falls, which are represented as
a great natural curiosity. The Passaic river runs over large rocky mountains
covered with fir trees. At this place an immense body of rock would totally
interrupt its passage, had it not been by some stupendous power rent in several
places from top to bottom, forming huge clefts, some of which are twenty or
thirty feet wide, others not more than two or three, and from fifty to seventy
feet deep. The depth of one of them, it is said, has never been ascertained.
It is here that the whole torrent of the river falls perpendicularly, with
amazing violence and rapidity, down a rocky precipice of seventy feet, with
a tremendous roar and foaming. But being interrupted in its course, by craggy
rocks, it turns abruptly to the right, and again to the left, and falling
into huge cavities below, the whole torrent vanishes from our sight; but stepping
to another precipice a few yards distant, we behold the same torrent emerging
from its subterraneous course and rushing into a large basin or cavern, formed
in the rock. This basin contains forty fathoms of water, and is never full,
but its rocky walls on all sides ascend sixty feet above the surface of the
water. Such is the astonishing depth of this receptacle, that the water neither
foams nor forms whirlpools by the rushing current, but is calm and undisturbed.
From this basin the water rushes through its outlet, reassumes the form of
a river, and in majestic silence pursues its course towards the sea.

In the afternoon we were invited to visit another curiosity
in the neighborhood. This is a monster in the human form. He is twenty-seven
years of age, his face from the upper part of his forehead to the end of his
chin, measures twenty inches, and round the upper part of his head is twenty-one
inches, his eyes and nose are remarkably large and prominent, chin long and
pointed. His features are coarse, irregular and disgusting, and his voice
is rough and sonorous. His body is only twenty-seven inches in length, his
limbs are small, and much deformed, and he has the use of one hand only. He
has never been able to stand or sit up, as he cannot support the enormous
weight of his head ; but lies constantly in a large cradle, with his head
supported on pillows. He is visited by great numbers of people, and is peculiarly
fond of the company of clergymen, always inquiring for them among his visitors,
and taking great pleasure in receiving religious instruction. General Washington
made him a visit, and asked, "whether he was a whig or tory ?" He
replied, that "he had never taken an active part on either side."

5th.-I took an excursion a few miles into the country,
to visit the surgeons of the flying hospital ; took tea at their quarters,
with a wealthy Dutch family, and was treated with great civility. They live
in a style superior to the Low Dutch in general ; the table was amply furnished
with cherries, raspberries and other fruits, which abound in this country.

10th.-The officers' of our regiment, and those of Colonel
Webb's, united in providing an entertainment, and invited a respectable number
of gentlemen of our brigade to dine; Dr. West and myself were appointed caterers
and superintendents. We erected a large arbor, with the boughs of trees, under
which we enjoyed an elegant dinner, and spent the afternoon in social glee,
with some of the wine which was taken from the enemy wben they retreated from
Elizabethtown. Our drums and fifes afforded us a favorite music till evening,
when we were delighted with the song composed by Mr. Hopkinson, called the
"Battle of the Kegs," sung in the best style by a number of gentlemen.

14th.-An express lias arrived at head quarters, from
Rhode Island, with the pleasing information of the arrival there of a French
fleet, accompanied by an army of six thousand regular troops, who are to cooperate
with our army, as allies in our cause. They are commanded by Count Rochambeau,
a distinguished general in the French service.

20th.-In general orders, the Commander in Chief congratulates
the army, on the arrival of a large land and naval armament at Rhode Island,
sent by his Most Christian Majesty, to cooperate with us against the common
enemy. The lively concern which our allies manifest for our safety and independence,
has a claim to the affection of every virtuous citizen. The general, with
confidence assures the army, that the officers and men of the French forces,
come to our aid, animated with a zeal founded in sentiment for us, as well
as in duty to their prince, and that they will do every thing in their power
to promote harmony and cultivate friendship ; he is equally persuaded on our
part, that we shall vie with them in their good disposition, to which we are
excited by gratitude as well as by common interest, and that the only contention
between the two armies will be to excel each other in good offices, and in
the display of every military virtue. This will be a pledge of the most solid
advantage to the common cause, and a glorious issue to the campaign. The Commander
in Chief has recommended to the officers of our army, to wear cockades of
black and white, intermixed, as a symbol of friendship for our French allies,
who wear white cockades.

22d.-The officers of our regiment received an invitation
to dine with Major General Lord Stirling. We were introduced to his Lordship
by Colonel Jackson, and were received with great civility and politeness.
Colonel Biddle and his lady were of the guests. Our entertainment was sumptuous
and elegant, After the covers were removed, the servants brought in pails
filled with cherries and strawberries, which were strewed over the long table;
with these and excellent wine, accompanied by martial music, we regaled ourselves
till evening. This gentleman's proper name is William Alexander, and he is
a native of the state of New York. He visited Scotland in pursuit of the title
and estate of an earldom, which he claimed as the rightful heir of his ancestor,
who had this title, and a grant of Nova Scotia, anno, 1621. In this pursuit,
he expended a large proportion of his fortune, but failed in obtaining an
acknowledgment of his claim by the government; yet, by courtesy, he bears
the title of Lord Stirling. He is considered as a brave, intelligent and judicious
officer. In the battle on Long Island in August, 1776, he unfortunately fell
into the hands of the enemy; but it occasioned no impeachment of his character
and conduct. He possesses the genuine principles of patriotism, and is strongly
attached to General Washington. He disclosed to the Commander in Chief, the
intrigue of General Conway, when in 1777, he attempted to supersede his excellency,
saying in his letter, "such wicked duplicity of conduct, I shall always
think it my duty to detect." In his personal appearance, his lordship
is venerable and dignified; in his deportment, gentlemanly and graceful; in
conversation, pleasing and interesting.* He is said to be ambitious of the
title of lordship. Being present at the execution of a soldier for desertion,
the criminal at the gallows repeatedly cried out, "the Lord have mercy
on me;" his lordship with warmth exclaimed, "I won't, you rascal,
I won't have mercy on you."

23d.-Sunday I attended a sermon preached by Mr. Blair,
chaplain of the artillery. The troops were paraded in the open field, the
sermon was well calculated to inculcate religious principles, and the moral
virtues. His Excellency General Washington, Major Generals Greene and Knox,
with a number of other officers, were present.

August.-Orders were given for the army to be in readiness
for a movement.

Camp, High Lands.-According to orders, our brigade marched
from Prackanes on the 29th of July, and encamped at Paramus at night, fifteen
miles. The men were exceedingly affected with the heat and fatigue. We marched
on the succeeding day at two o'clock in the morning; at this early hour, the
drums beat the reveille, which summons us from our hard beds and slumbers,
in haste we roll up our travelling bed furniture, strike our tents, order
them thrown into the wagons, mount our horses, and with a slow pace follow
the march of our soldiers, bending under the weight of the burden on their
backs. We arrived at the North river and crossed the ferry, August 1st, where
we found the whole of our main army collected to a point. All the troops from
West Point that can be spared, and detachments from different stations, have
formed a junction in this vicinity. Two brigades have been selected from the
different regiments in the main army, to form a corps of light infantry, to
be commanded by the Marquis de la Fayette. They have been reviewed by the
Commander in Chief and other general officers, on the grand parade, and are
pronounced to be as excellent a corps as can be produced in any

* His lordship died at Albany, January 15th,
1783, aged fifty-seven years.

army. The Marquis is delighted with his command, and is at his
own expense providing for them some extra equipments. It is understood, that
General Clinton has despatched a part of the British fleet and army on an
expedition against our allies, the French fleet and army at Rhode Island.
The whole of our army having crossed to the east side of the Hudson, it is
conjectured that his Excellency contemplates some important enterprise against
the enemy at New York, or at least to compel General Clinton to recal his
expedition from Rhode Island, for his own safety. Our Commander in Chief has
ordered that the army disencumber itself of all heavy baggage, which with
the women and children, are to be immediately sent to West Point, and that
the troops have constantly two days provisions cooked on hand, and hold themselves
in readiness to march at a moment's warning. Such is our condition for order
and regularity, that the whole army, which occupies an extent of several miles,
can be put in motion, and take up a line of march in less than one hour. The
horses belonging to our baggage wagons, and to the artillery, are constantly
in harness, and those belonging to the officers are kept in readiness; every
man, and every horse are taught to know their place and their duty. Marching
orders, so soon as issued, are communicated to each brigade and regiment.
The whole line of encampment resounds with martial music, all is bustle and
activity, but free from confusion. The drums and fifes beating a march, the
tents are instantly struck and thrown into wagons, the line of march commences,
every subordinate officer and soldier follows his commander, and whether to
rush into battle and encounter the dogs of war, or only to manoeuvre in the
field, it is no man's business to know or inquire. The secret is where it
ought to be, in the breast of him who directs our destiny, and whom it is
our pride to obey. Such is the state and condition of a well regulated and
disciplined army, and such only can attain to military fame and glory. It
is now ascertained, August 4th, that the formidable manoeuvre of our army
has effected the object intended. The enemy's expedition to Rhode Island has
returned to New York, in consequence probably of the alarm excited for the
safety of that city. Orders are now received, for our army to recross the
Hudson to the Jersey shore. Our brigade crossed the ferry in the night of
the 5th, and encamped in a field about five miles from the ferry. The crossing
of the wdiole army, occupied three days and nights, during which a vast number
of large boats and floats were continually in motion. On the 6th, marched
to Greenbush, and on the 7th and 8th, the whole army arrived and encamped
at Orangetown. The light infantry, under the Marquis, is constantly advanced
three miles in front of the army. The fatigue, and extreme heat, during this
march, have produced very unfavorable effects on our troops, and they are
now becoming sickly. Cholera morbus, dysentery and remittent fevers, are the
prevailing complaints, which demand all my attention.

Camp, Orangetown, August 9th.-Dined with the Baron Steuben,
and spent the afternoon with the guests. The Baron keeps a splendid table,
and treats his visitors with polite attention. Captain William North, of our
regiment, is one of the aids de camp of the Baron, and lias ingratiated himself
so highly in his favor, that he treats him with all the affection of a son.
A committee from Congress, have again arrived in our camp, with the view of
investigating the affairs of the army, to attend to complaints, and to redress
grievances, so far as may be in their power; and they will find that their
task and duty are not to be envied. The regimental surgeons and mates have
deputed a committee to present a list of our grievances for their honors'
consideration. We claim of Congress the same emoluments and remuneration which
are promised to the officers of the line of the army.

14th.-Visited Dr. Cochran, our surgeon general, at his
quarters in the country, and thence proceeding to the light infantry encampment,
took tea with Major Trescott and Captain Cushing. I accompanied a number of
officers to Dobb's ferry, where our troops are engaged in erecting a block
house and batteries, to defend the passage at the ferry way. The Hudson at
this place is about three miles wide, so that no battery can prevent the enemy's
shipping from passing up the river from New York.

20th.-Sunday, attended a sermon preached by Mr. Enos
Hitchcock, chaplain to General Patterson's brigade; the troops were assembled
in the open field. Mr. Hitchcock is respected as a sensible and learned, divine,
of pure morals and correct principles. His patriotic zeal and ardent attachment
to his country's freedom, induced him to quit his people and domestic enjoyments
at Beverly, Massachusetts, for the turmoil and fatigue of camp. I dined with
my friends Dr. Skinner and Major Winslow. We are again visited with the alarming
apprehension of a famine; no meat has been drawn for two days past; no money,
no rum, and no contentment among our soldiers, great dissatisfaction prevails.

25th.-The whole army in this quarter has decamped, the
object and destination a secret; the conjectural object is to procure a supply
of provisions, and forage, from the inhabitants between the lines, which otherwise
would go to supply the wants of the enemy. All the sick and disabled are left
in camp, and I am directed to take charge of those belonging to our brigade
; but with this charge I am left entirely destitute of provision. Feeling
myself authorized to take a small supply from the inhabitants for immediate
necessity, I required from a Dutchman four sheep from his farm ; as he was
offended and made some opposition, I was obliged to force them from him, giving
a receipt, that he might recover a compensation from the public.

28th.-Our army has returned from below, with a large
quantity of forage, and provisions of various kinds, taken from the disaffected
inhabitants on the lines. This affords us an important relief, when almost
in a starving condition. A small party of the enemy was discovered near the
lines, a slight skirmish ensued, and they soon disappeared.

29th.-I accompanied Captain W. to the village of Charlestown,
met Major General Schuyler, and other gentlemen, at a tavern, with whom we
dined. Here I learnt that a duel had just been fought between Lieutenant O.
and Mr. P. both of Colonel Moyland's regiment of dragoons, and both of whom
were yesterday on the most intimate terms of friendship. Mr. O. killed his
antagonist on the spot, and received a dangerous wound in his thigh. When
I visited him, his wounds had been dressed, and I was astonished at the calmness
and composure with which he related all the particulars of this melancholy
and murderous catastrophe, and the agonizing state of mind of his late friend
in his dying moments. The duel originated in a trivial misunderstanding, which
excited these close friends to assume the character of assassins, and to hazard
life for life. Nor did O. discover the least sorrow or remorse of conscience,
for having sacrificed the life of a friend and valuable officer, to the mistaken
points of honor !

30th.-Another dreadful appeal has this day been made
to the deadly combat, on a point of honor. The parties were Lieutenant S.
and Mr. L. a volunteer in the army ; the latter gentleman fell and instantly
expired; his murderer escaped uninjured. Thus have two valuable lives been
sacrificed within two days, to what is termed principles of honor, or rather
to the vindictive spirit of malice and revenge. Is there no remedy for this
fashionable folly, this awful blindness and perversion of mind, this barbarous
and infernal practice, this foul stain on the history of man ! The following
anecdote is in point. The practice of duelling had become alarming in the
Prussian army, and the great Frederic was desirous of checking its progress.
Two officers of high rank had engaged to meet in personal combat. The king
commanded that they should fight in his presence, and at a time and place
which he appointed. When the parties appeared, they were astonished to find
the whole army paraded to witness the combat, a gallows erected, and a halter
and coffins prepared. The king now commanded that they should decide their
fate in his presence, and that the survivor should be instantly hung on the
gallows. The two champions were appalled, and glad to implore his majesty's
forgiveness ; and this example proved an effectual remedy against duelling
in the Prussian army.

September.-Intelligence of an unpleasant and distressing
nature, has just reached us from South Carolina. Our southern army, under
the command of Major General Gates, has been totally defeated, in a general
action at Camden with Lord Cornwallis, on the 19th of August. General Gates,
as is reported, retreated with precipitation to the distance of eighty miles,
to escape the pursuit of the enemy. This mortifying disaster gives a severe
shock to our army, as it must be productive of the most important and serious
consequences as it respects the welfare of the Southern states. In his letter
to the President of Congress, General Gates says, " In the deepest distress
and anxiety of mind, I am obliged to acquaint your Excellency with the defeat
of the troops under my command." The letter states that the continental
troops displayed their usual courage and bravery, but at the first onset of
the enemy the whole body of militia became panic struck, were completely routed,
and ran like a torrent, bearing all before them, and leaving the continentals
to oppose the whole force of the enemy. This victory was not obtained without
loss on the part of the foe, they having upwards of five hundred men, with
officers in proportion, killed and wonded. The whole number of continental
officers killed, wounded and missing, is forty-eight. Among the killed, is
Baron de Kalb, a major general ; while leading on the Maryland and Delaware
troops, he was pierced with eleven wounds, and soon after expired. He was
a German by birth, a brave and meritorious officer, a knight of the order
of military merit, and a brigadier general in the armies of France. He had
served three years, with high reputation, in the American army. General Gates'
command in this army is said to consist of three thousand, of which number
were only nine hundred continental regulars. The royalists, under Lord Cornwallis,
were upwards of three thousand two hundred, and a great part of them regular
troops. This very unfortunate event has given an impression universally unfavourable
to the character and conduct of General Gates, as he has disappointed the
high expectations of the public. He is indeed a painful example of the vicissitudes
of the fortune of war ; but it ought not to be expected that an officer should
be held accountable for the strokes of fortune ; nor for the effects of superior
force or address in the enemy. Considering the former high character and meritorious
services of the general, we cannot justly suspect him to be chargeable with
any deficiency in point of integrity or conduct, and time and investigation
must decide how far he has been guilty of any culpable error.*

* General Gates was heard to say that "Lord
Cornwallis would not dare to look him in the face," and in the night
previous to the battle at Camden, an officer in the presence of General Gates
said " I wonder where we shall dine to-morrow?" "Dine, Sir
!" replied the confident general, " why at Camden to be sure, I
would not give a pinch of snuff sir, to be ensured a beafstcak to-morrow in
Camden, and Lord Cornwallis at my table." Baron de Kalb, an old experienced
German officer, was decidedly opposed to the proceedings of General Gates,
and frequently foretold the ruin that would ensue, and expressed a presentiment
it would be his fate to fall in that battle. In a council of war, while tlie
enemy was approaching, the baron advised that the army should fall back and
take a good position, and wait to be attacked, but this was rejected by Gates,
who insinuated that it originated from fear. De Kalb instantly leaping from
his horse placed himself at the head of his command on foot, and with some
warmth retorted, "Well Sir, a few hours perhaps will prove owho are the
brave." It was the intention of General Gates to surprise the enemy in
his encampment, while at the same time Cornwallis had commenced his march
to surprise his antagonist. The contending armies had scarcely engaged in
the conflict when our militia broke and fled with the greatest precipitation.
General Gates immediately applied his spurs to his horse, and pursued, as
he said "to bring the rascals back," but he actually continued his
flighttilihe reached Charlotte, eighty miles from the field of battle. The
baron de Kalb at the head of a few hundreds of continental troops was now
left to cope with the whole British army, and he sustained the dreadt'ul shock
for more than an hour, hundreds of the bravest of men had fallen around this
undaunted hero; he himself, in personal conflict, was seen to parry the furious
blows and plunge his sword into many opposing breasts. But alas ! the hero
is overpowered; having received eleven bayonet wounds, he faints and falls
to the ground. Several individuals of both armies were killed while endeavouring
to shield his body. His aid de camp, Mons. du Buysson, rushed through the
clashing bayonets and stretching his arms over the body of the fallen hero,
exclaimed "Save the baron de Kalb ! save the baron de Kalb!" The
British officers interposed and prevented his immediate destruction, but he
survived the action but a few hours. To a British officer, who kindly condoled
with him in his misfortune, he replied, " I thank you for your generous
sympathy, but I die the death I always prayed for; the death of a soldier
fighting for the rights of man." His last moments were spent in dictating
a letter concerning the continental troops which supported him in the action,
of whom he said "he had no words that could sufficiently express his
love and his admiration of their valour." General Washington, many years
after on a visit to Camden, inquired for the grave of de Kalb. After looking
on it a while with a countenance marked with thought, he breathed a deep sigh
and exclaimed, " So there lies the brave de Kalb; the generous stranger
who came from a distant land to fight our battles, and water with his blood
the tree of our liberty. Would to God he had lived to share with us its fruits
!"-(See Life of Gen. Maxion.)

Camp, Steenrapie, September 5th.-Our army
marched from Orangetown, and encamped at Steenrapie, yesterday. It is mortifying
that our stock of provisions is again exhausted ; the soldiers have for several
days drawn nothing but one pound of flour a man.

8th.-I had again the honour of dining
at the table of Baron Steuben, in company with a number of officers. Notwithstanding
the scarcity of provisions in camp, the baron's table continues to be well
supplied; his generosity is unbounded.

10th.-We are now lamenting the loss of
Brigadier General Poor, who died last night of putrid fever. His funeral solemnities
have been attended this afternoon. The corpse was brought this morning from
Paramus, and left at a house about a mile from the burying yard at Hackinsack,
whence it was attended to the place of interment by the following procession;
a regiment of light infantry, in uniform, with arms reversed ; four field
pieces; Major Lee's regiment of light horse ; General Hand and his brigade
; the Brigade Major on horseback ; two chaplains; the horse of the deceased,
with his boots and spurs suspended from the saddle, led by a servant ; the
corpse, borne by four serjeants, and the pall supported by six general officers.
The coffin was of mahogany, and a pair of pistols and two swords, crossing
each other and tied with black crape, were placed on the top, The corpse was
followed by the officers of the New Hampshire brigade ; the officers of the
brigade of light infantry, which the deceased had lately commanded. Other
officers fell in promiscuously, and were followed by his Excellency General
Washington, and other general officers. Having arrived at the burying yard,
the troops opened to the right and left, resting on their arms reversed, and
the procession passed to the grave, where a short eulogy was delivered by
the Reverend Mr. Evans. A band of music, with a number of drums and fifes,
played a funeral dirge, the drums were muffled with black crape, and the officers
in the procession wore crape round the left-arm. The regiment of light infantry
were in handsome uniform, and wore in their caps, long eathers of black and
red. The elegant regiment of horse, commanded by Major Lee, being in complete
uniform and well disciplined, exhibited a martial and noble appearance. No
scene can exceed in grandeur and solemnity a military funeral. The weapons
of war reversed, and embellished with the badges of mourning, the slow and
regular step of the procession, the mournful sound of the unbraced drum and
deep toned instruments, playing the melancholy dirge, the majestic mein and
solemn march of the war horse, all conspire to impress the mind with emotions
which no language can describe, and which nothing but the reality can paint
to the liveliest imagination. General Poor was from the state of New Hampshire.
He was a true patriot, who took an early part in the cause of his country,
and during his military career, was respected for his talents and his bravery,
and beloved for the amiable qualities of his heart. But it is a sufficient
eulogy to say, that he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of Washington.

11th.-We had a most violent shower of
rain, accompanied with tremendous peals of thunder and lightning ; we were
obliged to quit our beds in the night, but no part of our marquee could shield
us from the drenching rain,-not a blanket about us remained dry.

12th.-A soldier was executed for robbery
; he was one of five, who broke into a house with their arms, and robbed the
inhabitants of a sum of money, and many valuable articles. He conducted with
fortitude at the gallows.

13th.-The army was paraded to be reviewed
by GeneHis Excellency, mounted on his noble bay charger, rode in front of
the line of the army, and received the usual salute. Six Indian chiefs followed
in his train, appearing as the most disgusting snd contemptible of the human
race ; their faces painted of various colors, their hair twisted into bunches
on the top of their heads, and dressed in a miserable Indian habit, some with
a dirty blanket over the shoulders, and others almost naked. They were mounted
on horses of the poorest kind, with undressed sheep skins, instead of saddles,
and old ropes for bridles. These bipeds could not refrain from the indulgence
of their appetites for rum on this occasion, and some of them fell from their
horses, on their return to head quarters. This tribe of Indians is friendly
to America, and it is good policy to show them some attention, and give them
an idea of the strength of our army.

Camp, Orangetown, or Tappan, September 20th.-The
army decamped from Steenrapie this morning, and encamped at Orangetown, or
Tappan. His Excellency General Washington, with the Marquis de la Fayette
and General Knox, with a splendid retinue, left camp on the 17th instant,
bound to Hartford, in Connecticut, to have an interview with the commanding
officers of the French fleet and army, which have lately arrived at Rhode
Island.

I have just been introduced to three young clergymen,
from Connecticut, Mr. Lockwood, Mr. Ely, and Mr. Joel Barlow ; the latter
is a chaplain in the Connecticut line, and is said to possess a poetical genius.
Being present when he made a prayer in public, it was remarked that his performance
was very ordinary, and it was replied that the gentleman had not been much
accustomed to public performances, and that he was more calculated to attain
to eminence in the art of poetry, than in the clerical profession.

2lst.-Major General Greene succeeds to
the command of our army, in the absence of his Excellency General Washington.
This gentleman is a native of the state of Rhode Island. His father was an
anchor smith, and his business in that line was very extensive. He was a member
of the society of Friends, and when about to engage in a military station,
they remonstrated with him, as war was a violation of the established principles
of their sect. But his patriotism and ardent zeal for the cause of liberty,
were irresistible, and he was, at the age of thirty, appointed a brigadier
general, by his government, in the year 1775. After the battle of Lexington,
actuated by a native martial ardor, he repaired to Cambridge, and with the
troops under his command, joined the continental army under General Washington.
General Greene has conducted in a manner to meet the expectations and full
approbation of the public, and has been promoted to the rank of major general.
By his military talents, skill and judgment, he has acquired a character of
the highest order, and is held in respect and estimation throughout the army,
as second only to the Commander in Chief. It is the prevailing sentiment,
that if in any event of Providence we should be deprived of our chief commander,
General Greene is, of all others, the most suitable character to be his successor;
and in this sentiment there is the greatest reason to believe that the illustrious
Washington himself would readily coincide.

26th.--At three o'clock this morning,
an alarm was spread throughout our camp. Two regiments, from the Pennsylvania
line, were ordered to march immediately to West Point, and the whole army
to be held in readiness to march at a moment's warning. It was soon ascertained
that this sudden movement was in consequence of the discovery of one of the
most extraordinary events in modern history, and in which the interposition
of Divine Providence is remarkably conspicuous. It is the treacherous conspiracy
of Major General Arnold, and the capture of Major John Andre, adjutant general
to the British army. The army being paraded this morning, the following communication
in the orders of General Greene, was read by the adjutants to their respective
regiments.

"Treason of the blackest dye, was yesterday
discovered. General Arnold, who commanded at West Point, lost to every sentiment
of honor, of private and public obligation, was about to deliver up that important
post into the hands of the enemy. Such an event must have given the American
cause a dangerous, if not a fatal wound ; happily the treason has been timely
discovered, to prevent the fatal misfortune. The providential train of circumstances,
which led to it, affords the most convincing nroofs that the liberties of
America, are the object of Divine protection. At the same time that the treason
is to be regretted, the general cannot help congratulating the army on the
happy discovery. Our enemies, despairing of carrying their point by force,
are practising every base art, to effect by bribery and corruption, what they
cannot accomplish in a manly way. Great honor is due to the American army,
that this is the first instance of treason of the kind, where many were to
be expected from the nature of our dispute ; the brightest ornament in the
character of the American soldiers, is, their having been proof against all
the arts and seductions of an insidious enemy. Arnold has made his escape
to the enemy, but Major Andre, the adjutant general in the British army, who
came out as a spy, to negotiate the business, is our prisoner."

West Point is situated in the midst of the high-lands,
on the west side of the Hudson, sixty miles above New York, and seven below
Fishkill. It is a strongly fortified castle, which, with its dependencies,
is considered by General Washington as the key which locks the communication
between the eastern and southern states ; and of all the posts in the United
States, this is the most important. The position is remarkably well calculated
by nature for a defensive post, being on a bend of the river with rocky ridges
rising one above another, and the lofty summit mit is covered with a range
of redoubts and batteries, planned by the most skilful engineers. The most
elevated and formidable fortress, is erected on a natural platform of rocks
very steep, and almost inaccessible on every side ; this is called "Fort
Putnam," from the general who had the principal share in its plan and
construction. It overlooks the whole plain below, and commands a landscape
view thirty miles in extent, the Hudson having the appearance of a vast canal,
cut through huge mountains. As additional security, an iron chain of immense
strength, is thrown across at the short bend of the river, and fixed to huge
blocks on each shore, and under the fire of batteries on both sides the river.
The links of this chain are about twelve inches wide, and eighteen long, the
bars about two inches square. It is buoyed up by very large logs, of about
sixteen feet long, pointed at the ends to lessen their opposition to the force
of the current, at flood and ebb tide. The logs are placed at short distances
from each other, the chain carried over them and made fast to each by st??oles.
There are also a number of anchors dropped at prope Stances, with cables made
fast to the chain to give it a greater stability. Such is the formidable state
and strength of this post, that it has received the appellation of the American
Gibraltar, and when properly guarded, may bid defiance to an army of twenty
thousand men. General Arnold was well apprised of the importance of this fortress
; no opposition in America could afford the British greater advantages. It
commands the whole extent of country on the Hudson, from New York to Canada,
and secures a communication between the eastern and southern states.

From the commencement of the American war, General
Arnold has been viewed in the light of a brave and heroic officer, having
exhibited abundant proof of his military ardor, and invincible temper. He
has fought in various battles, with an intrepid gallantry which cannot be
exceeded, and it is from his bravery in the field, more than any intrinsic
merit, that his character and fame have been established. His meritorious
services have been amply rewarded by his promotion to the rank of major general,
but his name will now be transmitted to posterity with marks of infamy, and
the pages of our history will be tarnished by the record of crimes, of the
most atrocious character, by a native of our land. After the evacuation of
Philadelphia, by the British, Arnold was appointed to the command in that
city, and such was his conduct, as respects both his official station, and
individual concerns, that his former standing and important services, could
no longer shield him from public odium, and the just censure of the government.*
Being afterward, by his own solicitation, entrusted with the command of the
post at West Point, he engaged in a secret correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton,
and actually agreed to put him in possession of this very important garrison.
The British general selected Major John Andre, his adjutant general and aid
de camp, to have a personal interview with the traitor, to mature the plan,
and make arrangements for the surrender of the post. A British sloop of war,
called the Vulture, came up the North river and anchored near King's ferry,
about twelve miles below West Point. On board of this vessel were a Colonel
Robinson, and Major Andre, under the assumed name of John Anderson. A communication
was now maintained between Arnold, and the persons on board the Vulture, without
exciting the least suspicion of treasonable designs. But a personal interview
was found necessary, and the place chosen for this purpose was the beach near
the house of Joshua Smith, Esquire, who has long been suspected of a predilection
for the British interest. In the night of the 21st instant, Smith by the desire
of Arnold, went with a boat, rowed by some men employed on his farm, and brought
Major Andre, alias John Anderson, on shore, where he was received by Arnold,
and conducted to the house of Smith, within our lines. Andre remained concealed
at Smith's house till the following night, when he became extremely anxious
to return on board the Vulture ; but the boatmen, whom Arnold and Smith had
seduced to bring him on shore the preceding night, could not be prevailed
on to reconduct him on board, as the Vulture had been driven from her station
by a cannon on shore. Finding it impossible to procure a boat and men for
the purpose, it was resolved that Andre should return to New York by land,
to which he reluctantly submitted, as the only alternative, to escape the
danger into which he had been betrayed. For this hazardous attempt Arnold
and Smith furnished him with a horse, and with clothes, in exchange for his
military uniform ; and Arnold gave him a passport under the fictitious name
of John Anderson, as being on public business. Thus prepared, and accompanied
by Smith part of the way, he proceeded on his journey. The passport served
his purpose till he got beyond all our outposts and guards, without suspicion.
They lodged together at Crompond that night, and Smith having given him directions
about the road, left him the next morning, within about thirty miles of New

* See life of Arnold, in the Appendix.

York. Having arrived at Tarrytown, however, near the lines of
the royal army, Andre was arrested by one of three men, who were patrolling
between the outposts of the two armies. He held his horse by the bridle, till
his two companions came from their concealment, to his assistance. This was
the moment which was to decide the fate of the adjutant general of the royal
army. Alarmed and disconcerted, instead of producing his passport, he asked
where they belonged ? they replied, " To below," alluding to New
York, " And so do I," said Andre, "I am a British officer,
on urgent business, and must not be detained." He was soon, however,
undeceived, and confounded on being obliged to yield himself a prisoner, and
finding his passport, though having the authority of Arnold's signature, availed
him nothing. His captors suspecting that they had taken a valuable prize,
resolved to hold him in durance, and realize his worth. The unfortunate prisoner
now produced his gold watch, and said, " this will convince you that
I am a gentleman, and if you will suffer me to pass, I will send to New York,
and give you any amount you shall name, in cash, or in dry goods ;"*
and, pointing to an adjacent wood, " you may keep me in that wood till
it shall be delivered to you." All his offers, however, were rejected
with disdain, and they declared that ten thousand guineas, or any other sum,
would be no temptation. It is to their virtue, no less glorious to America,
than Arnold's apostacy is disgraceful, that his detestable crimes are discovered.
Their names are John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Vert.+ Taking
their prisoner into the bushes, to undergo a search and examination, they
found concealed in his boots, the important papers, containing exact returns
of the state of the forces, ordnance and defences at West Point, and its dependencies,
with critical remarks on the works, with a return of the number of troops
at West Point, and their distribution ; copies

* English goods were, at that time, more valuable
than gold or silver. It has in general been understood, that Andre offered
hia captors his horse, his purse, and a valuable watch, but Dr. Eustis assures
me that the above are the facts, as stated to him by Isaac Van Vert, who first
stopped Andre.

+ Congress resolved " That they have a high
sense of the virtuous and patriotic conduct of John Paulding, David Williams,
and Isaac Van Vert, In testimony whereof, ordered, that each of them receive
annually, two hundred dollars in specie, or an equivalent in the current money
of these States, during life, and that the Board of War be directed to procure
each of them a silver medal, on one side of which shall be a shield with this
inscription. Fidelity, and on the other, the following motto, Vincit amor
Patriae, and forward them to the commander in chief, who is requested to present
the same with a copy of this resolution, and the thanks of Congress for their
fidelity, and the eminent service they have rendered their country.

of confidential letters from General Washington, &c. &c.,
all in the hand writing of General Arnold. Besides which, it is ascertained
that the traitor carried with him to the interview, a general plan of West
Point and its vicinity, and all the works, and also particular plans of each
work on a large scale, elegantly drawn by the engineer at that post. But these
were not given up to Major Andre, it is supposed they were to be delivered
at a future time. The captors now very properly delivered their prisoner,
with the papers found on him, into the hands of Lieutenant Colonel Jameson,
the commanding officer on our lines. Andre, with the view, no doubt, of giving
Arnold an opportunity to escape, had the address to induce Colonel Jameson
to inform the traitor, by letter, that John Anderson was taken on his way
to New York. It is probable that Colonel Jameson had not examined the papers
in his possession, or it may well be supposed, that having such ample evidence
before him, he would have hesitated before complying with this request; but
unsuspicious of treachery, and under the embarrassment of the moment, as though
his mind was bewildered, or devoid of reason, he immediately despatched an
express to Arnold, at Robinson's house, with the intelligence.

After sufficient time had elapsed for Arnold to receive the
information and make his escape, Major Andre declared himself, to Colonel
Jameson, to be the Adjutant General of the British army. Sensible of the finesse
which had been practised on him, Colonel Jameson now despatched an express
to meet General Washington, on his return from Hartford to Arnold's quarters,
with an account of the capture of Major Andre, and the papers which were found
on him, and this was accompanied by a letter from the prisoner disclosing
to his Excellency his real character and condition, and relating the manner
of his capture, &c. It unfortunately happened that the express took a
different road and missed of meeting the Commander in Chief, and Arnold first
received the information about ten o'clock on the morning of the 15th instant.
At this moment Major Shaw and Dr. McHenry, two of his Excellency's aids, had
arrived and were at breakfast at Arnold's table. His confusion was visible,
but no one could devise the cause. Struck with the pressing danger of his
situation, expecting General Washington would soon arrive, the guilty traitor
called instantly for a "horse, any one, even if a wagon horse,"-bid
a hasty adieu to his wife, and enjoined a positive order on the messenger
not to inform that he was the hearer of a letter from Colonel Jameson, and
having repaired to his barge, he ordered the cockswain with eight oarsmen
to proceed down the river, and he was soon on board the Vulture, which Andre
had left two nights before, and which immediately sailed with her prize for
New York. General Washington arrived about twelve o'clock, and was informed
that Arnold had absented himself, saying he was going to West Point, and should
soon return. His Excellency passed over the river to view the works there,
but not finding Arnold at his post he returned in the hope of meeting him
at his quarters. But here he was again disappointed, for no person could account
for his absence. Mrs. Arnold was now in her chamber, in great agitation and
distress, deprived of her reason, and Dr. Eustis in attendance. At a lucid
interval she inquired of the doctor if General Washington was in the house,
desiring to see him. Believing that she intended to say something which would
explain the secret of Arnold's unaccountable absence, he hastened below, and
conducted the general to her chamber, who remained no longer than to hear
her deny that he was General Washington, and to witness the return of her
distraction. His Excellency sat down to dine, but soon rose from the table
with apparent agitation, called out Colonel Lamb, the commander of artillery
at West Point, and expressed to him his suspicion that Arnold had deserted
to the enemy. In less than two hours it was ascertained that the conjecture
was too well founded, for the despatches arrived from Colonel Jameson, with
an account of the capture of Major Andre, accompanied by his own letter of
confession. Major Andre was conducted to West Point, and thence to head quarters
at Tappan, and a board, consisting of fourteen general officers, is constituted
and directed to sit on the 29th instant, for his trial. It was to be expected
that Sir Henry Clinton, would make every possible overture and exertion with
the hope of rescuing his friend, and the adjutant general of his army, from
an ignominious death. Accordingly he addressed General Washington, claimed
the release of Major Andre, alleging that he ought not to be considered in
the character of a spy, as he had a passport from, and was transacting business
under the sanction of General Arnold ; but arguments so obviously absurd and
futile could have no influence, and the prisoner was ordered before the military
tribunal for trial, and the following are the particulars of their proceedings.

Major Andre, Adjutant General to the British army, was brought
before the board, and the following letter from General Washington to the
board, dated Head Quarters, Tappan, September, 29th, 1780, was laid before
them and read.

" GENTLEMEN,
" Major Andre, Adjutant General to the British army, will be brought
before you for your examination. He came within our lines in the night, on
an interview with Major General Arnold, and in an assumed character; and was
taken within our lines, in a disguised habit, with a pass under a feigned
name, and with the enclosed papers concealed on him. After a careful examination,
you will be pleased as speedily as possible to report a precise state of his
case, together with your opinion of the light in which he ought to be considered,
and the punishment that ought to be inflicted. The Judge Adoocate will attend
to assist in the examination, who has sundry other papers relative to this
matter, which he will lay before the Board.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, your most obedient and humble servant,
G.-WASHINGTON.

To the Board of General Officers )
convened at Tappan." )
The names of the officers composing the Board, were read to Major Andre, with
the following letter of his to General Washington, namely-

" Salem, 24th September, 1780.
" SIR,
" What I have as yet said, concerning myself, was in the justifiable
attempt to be extricated ; I am too little accustomed to duplicity to have
succeeded.

" I beg your Excellency will be persuaded, that no alteration
in the temper of my mind, or apprehension for my safety, induces me to take
the step of addressing you, but that it is to secure myself from an imputation
of having assumed a mean character for treacherous purposes or self interest--a
conduct incompatible with the principles that actuated me, as well as with
my condition in life.

" It is to vindicate my fame, that I speak, and not to
solicit security.

"The person in your possession, is Major John Andre, Adjutant
General to the British army.

" The influence of one commander in the army of his adversary
is an advantage taken in war. I agreed to meet on ground not within the posts
of either army, a person who was to give me intelligence ; I came up in the
Vulture, man of war, for this effect, and was fetched by a boat from the shore
to the beach. Being there, I was told that the approach of day would prevent
my return, and that I must be concealed till the next night. I was in my regimentals,
and had fairly risked my person.

" Against my stipulation, my intention, and without my
knowledge before hand, I was conducted within one of your posts. Your Excellency
may conceive my sensation on this occasion, and will imagine how much more
I must have been affected hy a refusal to reconduct me back the next night,
as I had been brought. Thus become a prisoner, I had to concert my escape.
I quitted my uniform, and was passed another way in the night, without the
American posts to neutral ground, and informed I was beyond all armed parties
and left to press for New York. I was taken at Tarry town by some volunteers.

" Thus, as I have had the honor to relate, was I betrayed
into the vile condition of an enemy in disguise within your posts.

" Having avowed myself a British officer, I have nothing
to reveal but what relates to myself, which is true on the honor of an officer
and a gentleman.

" The request I have to make your Excellency, and I am
conscious I address myself well, is, that in any rigor which policy may dictate,
a decency of conduct towards me, may evince that though unfortunate, I am
branded with nothing dishonorable, as no motive could be mine but the service
of my king, and as I was involuntarily an impostor.

" Another request is, that I may be permitted to write
an open letter to Sir Henry Clinton, and another to a friend for clothes and
linen.

" I take the liberty to mention the condition of some gentlemen
at Charleston, who, being either on parole or under protection, were engaged
in a conspiracy against us. Though their situation is not similar, they are
objects who may be set in exchange for me, or are persons whom the treatment
I receive might affect.

" It is no less, Sir, in a confidence in the generosity
of your mind, than on account of your superior station, that I have chosen
to importune you with this letter. I have the honor to be, with great respect,
Sir, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
JOHN ANDRE, Adjutant General.
His Excellency General Washington, &c. &c. &c."

and on being asked whether he confessed or denied the matters
contained in this letter, he acknowledged the letter, and in addition stated,
that he came on shore from the Vulture, sloop of war, in the night of the
21st of September, instant, somewhere under the Haverstraw Mountain. That
the boat he came on shore in carried no flag, and that he had on a surtout
coat over his regimentals, and that he wore his surtout coat when he was taken.
That he met General Arnold on the shore, and had an interview with him there.
He also said, that when he left the Vulture, sloop of war, it was understood
he was to return that night ; but it was then doubted, and if he could not
return, he was promised to be concealed on shore in a place of safety till
the next night, when he was to return in the same manner he came on shore,
and when the next day came, he was solicitous to get back, and made inquiries
in the course of the day how he should return, when he was informed he could
not return that way, and he must take the route he did afterwards. He also
said, that the first notice he had of his being within any of our posts, was,
his being challenged by the sentry, which was the first night he was on shore.
He also said, that in the evening of the 22d of September, instant, he passed
King's ferry, between our posts of Stony and Verplank's Points, in the dress
he is at present in, and which he said was not his regimentals, and which
dress he procured after he landed from the Vulture, and when he was within
our post, and that he was proceeding to New York, but was arrested at Tarrytown,
as he has mentioned in his letter, on Saturday, the 23d of September, instant,
about nine o'clock in the morning.

The Board having interrogated Major Andre about his conception
of his coming on shore under the sanction of a flag, he said, that it was
impossible for him to suppose he came on shore under that sanction, and added,
that if he came on shore under that sanction, he certainly might have returned
under it.

Major Andre having acknowledged the preceding facts, and being
asked whether he had any thing to say respecting them, answered, he left them
to operate with the Board. The examination of Major Andre being concluded,
he was remanded into custody.

"The Board having considered the letter from his Excellency,
General Washington, respecting Major Andre, Adjutant General to the British
army, the confession of Major Andre, and the papers produced to them, report
to his Excellency the Commander in Chief, the following facts, which appear
to them relative to Major Andre. First, that he came on shore from the Vulture,
sloop of war, in the night of the 21st of September, instant, on an interview
with General Arnold, in a private and secret manner. Secondly, that he changed
his dress within our lines, and under a feigned name, and disguised habit,
passed our works at Stony and Verplank's Points, in the evening of the 22d
of September, instant, and was taken the morning of the 23d of September,
at Tarrytown, in a disguised habit, being then on his way to New York; and
when taken he had in his possession several papers which contained intelligence
for the enemy. The Board having maturely considered these facts, do also report
to his Excellency General Washington, that Major Andre, Adjutant General to
the British army, ought to be considered as a spy from the enemy, and that
agreeably to the law and usage of nations, it is their opinion he ought to
suffer death.
Signed,
NATHANIEL GREENE, Major General and President.
STIRLING, Major General
ST. CLAIR, Major General
LAFAYETTE, Major General
R. HOWE, Major General
STEUBEN, Major General
SAMUEL H. PARSONS, Brigadier General.
JAMES CLINTON, Brigadier General.
HENRY KNOX, Brigadier General. Artillery
JOHN GLOVER, Brigadier General.
JOHN PATERSON, Brigadier General.
EDWARD HAND, Brigadier General.
JOHN HUNTINGTON, Brigadier General.
JOHN STARK, Brigadier General.
JOHN LAWRENCE, Judge Advocate General."

" Head Quarters,)
September SOth, 1780.)
"The Commander in Chief approves of the opinion of the Board of General
Officers, respecting Major Andre, and orders that the execution of Major Andre
take place tomorrow, at five o'clock, P. M."

During the trial of this unfortunate officer, he conducted with
unexampled magnanimity and dignity of character. He very freely and candidly
confessed all the circumstances relative to himself, and carefully avoided
every expression that might have a tendency to implicate any other person.
So firm and dignified was he in his manners, and so honorable in all his proceedings
on this most trying occasion, that he excited universal interest in his favor.
He requested only to die the death of a soldier and not on a gibbet. The following
is a copy of a very pathetic letter from Major Andre to General Washington,
dated

" Tappan, October 1st, 1780,
" SIR,
'' Buoyed above the terrors of death, by the consciousness of a life devoted
to honorable pursuits, and stained with no action that can give me remorse,
I trust that the request I make to your Excellency at this serious period,
and which is to soften my last moments, will not be rejected. Sympathy towards
a soldier will surely induce your Excellency, and a military tribunal, to
adapt the mode of my death to the feelings of a man of honor. Let me hope,
Sir, if aught in my character impresses you with esteem towards me, if aught
in my misfortunes marks me as the victim of policy, and not of resentment,
I shall experience the operation of these feelings in your breast by being
informed that I am not to die on a gibbet.

I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient and most
humble servant,
JOHN ANDRE, Adjutant General to the British army.

This moving letter, as may be supposed, affected the mind of
General Washington with the tenderest sympathy, and it is reported that he
submitted it to a council of general officers, who decided that as Major Andre
was condemned as a spy, the circumstances of the case would not admit of the
request being granted, and his Excellency, from a desire to spare the feelings
of the unfortunate man, declined making a reply to the letter.

Camp, Tappan, October 1st.-I went this afternoon to witness
the execution of Major Andre,-a large concourse of people had assembled, the
gallows was erected, and the grave and coffin prepared to receive the remains
of this celebrated but unfortunate officer ; but a flag of truce arrived with
a communication from Sir Henry Clinton, making another and further proposals
for the release of Major Andre, in consequence of which the execution is postponed
till tomorrow at twelve o'clock.

The flag which came out this morning brought General Robertson,
Andrew Eliot, and William Smith, Esquires, for the purpose of pleading for
the release of Major Andre, the royal army being in the greatest affliction
on the occasion. The two latter gentlemen, not being military officers, were
not permitted to land, but General Greene was appointed by his Excellency
to meet General Robertson at Dobb's ferry, and to receive his communications.
He had nothing material to urge but that Andre had come on shore under the
sanction of a flag, and therefore could not be considered as a spy. But this
is not true ; he came on shore in the night and had no flag, on business totally
incompatible with the nature of a flag. Besides, Andre himself, candidly confessed
on his trial, that he did not consider himself under the sanction of a flag.
General Robertson, having failed in his point, requested that the opinion
of disinterested persons might be taken, and proposed Generals Knyphausen,
of the British army, and Rochambeau, of the French army, as proper persons.
After this he had recourse to threats of retaliation on some people in New
York and Charleston, but he was told that such conversation could neither
be heard nor understood. He next urged the release of Andre on motives of
humanity, saying he wished an intercourse of such civilities as might lessen
the horrors of war, and cited instances of General Clinton's merciful disposition,
adding that Andre possessed a great share of that gentleman's affection and
esteem, and that he would be infinitely obliged if he was spared. He offered,
that if his earnest wishes were complied with, to engage that any prisoner
in their possession, whom General Washington might name, should immediately
be set at liberty. But it must be viewed as the height of absurdity that General
Robertson should, on this occasion, suffer himself to be the bearer of a letter
which the vile traitor had the consummate effrontery to write to General Washington.
This insolent letter is filled with threats of retaliation, and the accountability
of his Excellency for the torrents of blood that might be spilt if he should
order the execution of Major Andre. It should seem impossible that General
Robertson could suppose that such insolence would receive any other treatment
than utter contempt.

October 2d.-Major Andre is no more among the living.
I have just witnessed his exit. It was a tragical scene of the deepest interest.
During his confinement and trial, he exhibited those proud and elevated sensibilities
which designate greatness and dignity of mind. Not a murmur or a sigh ever
escaped him, and the civilities and attentions bestowed on him were politely
acknowledged. Having left a mother and two sisters in England, he was heard
to mention them in terms of the tenderest affection, and in his letter to
Sir Henry Clinton, he recommends them to his particular attention.

The principal guard officer who was constantly in the room with
the prisoner, relates that when the hour of his execution was announced to
him in the morning, he received at without emotion, and while all present
were affected with silent gloom, he retained a firm countenance, with calmness
and composure of mind. Observing his servant enter the room in tears, he exclaimed,
"Leave me till you can show yourself more manly." His breakfast
being sent to him from the table of General Washington, which had been done
every day of his confinement, he partook of it as usual, and having shaved
and dressed himself, he placed his hat on the table, and cheerfully said to
the guard officers, "I am ready at any moment, gentlemen, to wait on
you." The fatal hour having arrived, a large detachment of troops was
paraded, and an immense concourse of people assembled ; almost all our general
and field officers, excepting his Excellency and his staff, were present on
horseback ; melancholy and gloom pervaded all ranks, and the scene was affectingly
awful. I was so near during the solemn march to the fatal spot, as to observe
every movement, and participate in every emotion which the melancholy scene
was calculated to produce. Major Andre walked from the stone house, in which
he had been confined, between two of our subaltern officers, arm in arm ;
the eyes of the immense multitude were fixed on him, who, rising superior
to the fears of death, appeared as if conscious of the dignified deportment
which he displayed. He betrayed no want of fortitude, but retained a complacent
smile on his countenance, and politely bowed to several gentlemen whom he
knew, which was respectfully returned. It was his earnest desire to be shot,
as being the mode of death most conformable to the feelings of a military
man, and he had indulged the hope that his request would be granted. At the
moment, therefore, when suddenly he came in view of the gallows, he involuntarily
started backward, and made a pause. " Why this emotion, Sir," said
an officer by his side ? Instantly recovering his composure, he said, "
I am reconciled to my death, but I detest the mode." While waiting and
standing near the gallows, I observed some degree of trepidation; placing
his foot on a stone, and rolling it over, and choking in his throat, as if
attempting to swallow. So soon, however, as he perceived that things were
in readiness, he stepped quickly into the wagon, and at this moment he appeared
to shrink, but instantly elevating his head with firmness, he said, "
It will be but a momentary pang," and taking from his pocket two white
handkerchiefs, the provost marshal with one, loosely pinioned his arms, and
with the other, the victim, after taking off his hat and stock, bandaged his
own eyes with perfect firmness, which melted the hearts, and moistened the
cheeks, not only of his servant, but of the throng of spectators. The rope
being appended to the gallows, he slipped the noose over his head and adjusted
it to his neck, without the assistance of the awkward executioner. Colonel
Scammel now informed him that he had an opportunity to speak, if he desired
it; he raised the handkerchief from his eyes, and said, " I pray you
to bear me witness that I meet my fate like a brave man." The wagon being
now removed from under him, he was suspended and instantly expired ; it proved
indeed "but a momentary pang." He was dressed in his royal regimentals.
and boots; and his remains, in the same dress, were placed in an ordinary
coffin, and interred at the foot of the gallows ; and the spot was consecrated
by the tears of thousands. Thus died in the bloom of life, the accomplished
Major Andre, the pride of the royal army, and the valued friend of Sir Henry
Clinton. He was about twenty-nine years of age, in his person well proportioned,
tall, genteel and graceful; his mien respectable and dignified ; his countenance
mild, expressive and prepossessing indicative of an intelligent and amiable
mind. His talents are said to have been of a superior cast, and being cultivated
in early life, he had made very considerable proficiency in literary attainments.
Colonel Hamilton, aid de camp to General Washington, having had an interview
with him, entertains an exalted opinion of his character. In the line of his
profession, Major Andre was considered as a skilful, brave and enterprising
officer, and he is reported to have been benevolent and humane to our people
who have been prisoners in New York. Military glory was the main spring of
his actions, and the sole object of his pursuits, and he was advancing rapidly
in the gratification of his ambitious views, till by a misguided zeal he became
a devoted victim. He enjoyed the confidence and friendship of Sir Henry Clinton,
being consulted in his counsels and admitted to the secrets of his cabinet.
The heart of sensibility mourns owhen a life of so much worth is sacrificed
on a gibbet. General Washington was called to discharge a duty from which
his soul revolted ; and it is asserted that his hand could scarcely command
his pen, when signing the warrant for the execution of Major Andre. But, however
abhorrent in the view of humanity, the laws and usages of war must be obeyed,
and in all armies it is decreed, that the gallows shall be the fate of spies
from the enemy. It was universally desired that Major Andre should experience
every possible favor and indulgence, consistent with his peculiar circumstances,
but it was well considered, that should he be indulged in his request to be
shot, it would imply that his case admitted of extenuation, and it might be
doubted whether injustice he ought to be convicted as a spy. The British general
himself has not hesitated to execute several persons of the same description
sent from our army into New York.* Could Arnold have been suspended on the
gibbet erected for Andre, not a tear or a sigh would have been produced, but
exultation and joy would have been visible on every countenance.

* It is with the highest degree of satisfaction,
that I am enabled to copy the following interesting narrative, vouched by
Major General Hull, of Newton, from Hannah Adams' History of New England.
Let the reader draw the striking contrast between the conduct of the royalists
and the Americans, on an occasion where the duties of humanity and benevolence,
were equally and imperiously demanded.

" The retreat of General Washington, left
the British in complete possession of Long Island. What would be their future
operations, remained uncertain. To obtain iniormation of their situation,
their strength, and future movements, was of high importance. For this purpose.
General Washington applied to Colonel Knowlton, who commanded a regiment of
light infantry, which formed the van of the American army, and desired him
to adopt some mode of gaining the necessary information. Colonel Knowlton
communicated this request to Captain Hale, of Connecticut, who was then a
captain in his regiment. This young officer, animated by a sense of duty,
and considering that an opportunity presented itself by which he might be
useful to his country, at once offered himself a volunteer for this hazardous
service. He passed in disguise to Long Island, examined every part of the
British army, and obtained the best possible information respecting their
situation and future operations.

" In his attempt to return, he was apprehended,
carried before Sir William Howe and the proof of his object was so clear,
that he frankly acknowledged who he was, and what were his views.

" Sir William Howe at once gave an order
to the provost marshal to execute him the next morning.

"The order was accordingly executed in the
most unfeeling manner, and by as great a savage as ever disgraced humanity.
A clergyman, whose attendance he desired, was refused him; a bible for a moment's
devotion was not procured, though he requested it. Letters, which on the morning
of his execution, he wrote to his mother, and other friends, were destroyed;
and this very extraordinary reason given by the provost marshal, 'that the
rebels should not know that they had a man in their army who could die with
so much firmness.'

" Unknown to all around him, without a single
friend to offer him the least consolation, thus fell as amiable and as worthy
a young man as America could boast, with this as his dying observation, 'that
he only lamented he had but one life to lose for his country'. How superior
to the dying words of Andre, Though the manner of his execution will ever
be abhorred by every friend to humanity and religion, yet there cannot be
a question but that the sentence was conformable to the rules of war, and
the practice of nations in similar cases.

It is, however, a iustice
due to the character of Captain Hale, to observe, that his motives for engaging
in this service were entirely different from those which generally influence
others in similar circumstances. " Neither expectation of promotion nor
pecuniary reward, induced him to this attempt. A sense of duty, a hope mat
he might in this way be useful to his country, and an opinion which he had
adopted, thut every kind of service necessary to the public good, became honorable
by being necessary, were the great motives which induced him to engage in
an enterprise, by which his connexions lost a most amiable friend, and his
country one of its most promising supporters.

"The fate if this unfortunate young man
excites the most interesting reflections.

"To see such a character, in the flower
of youth, cheerfully treading in the most hazaroous paths, influenced by the
purest intentions, and only emulous to do good to his country, without the
imputation of a. crime, fall a victim to policy, must have been wounding to
the feelings even of his enemies.

" Should a comparison
be drawn between Major Andre and Captain Hale, injustice would be done to
the latter, should he not be placed on an equal ground with the former. Whilst
almost every historian of the revolution, has celebrated the virtues and lamented
the fate of Andre, Hale has remained unnoticed, and it is scarcely known that
such a character ever existed.

" To the memory of Andre, his country has
erected the most magnificent monuments, and bestowed on his family the highest
honors and most liberal rewards. To the memory of Hale not a stone has been
erected, nor an inscription to preserve his ashes from insult."*

* In the autumn of 1821, the remains of Major
Andre were disinterred, and transported to England. Two cedar trees which
grew on the grave of Andre., were forwarded with his bones. Their roots had
warped themselves round the skull bones like a fine netting.

But General Clinton suffers the vile and infamous traitor to
elude the hand of justice, and even bestows on him a reward for his crime.
It may perhaps be suggested, that in the last act of his life Major Andre
derogated from his character and station. That the laurels to adorn the brow
of a soldier, can only be acquired in the field of battle, and not by encouraging
acts of treason, by bribery and corruption. Surprize and stratagem, it is
well known, constitute a valuable part of the art of war, by which many important
objects are effected, and by some it is said, that when acts of treason are
practised, the infamy devolves on the head of the traitors alone. In the present
instance, it is supposed that Arnold made the first overture. It is well understood
that Sir Henry Clinton enjoined it on Andre, to transact the business on board
the Vulture, and it was his own determination not to land on our shore ; but
such was the management of Arnold, and his confederate Smith, that he was
actually compelled, contrary to his own judgment and intention, to come within
our lines, and this circumstance alone placed him in the character of a common
spy. The Commander in Chief was generously disposed to compassionate his unhappy
condition, and to soothe and mitigate his sorrow, and every officer in the
army was actuated by feelings of sympathy and tenderness towards him. The
base and perfidious Arnold is held in the utmost abhorrence and detestation
throughout our army, and his person, with the Samson at West Point into the
bargain, would have been a dear purchase to Sir Henry for the life of his
valuable friend and adjutant general.

West Point is now become a very celebrated and memorable spot,
by the attempt of the royal general to obtain possession of it through the
defection and treachery of one of our officers, and the defeat of the conspiracy.
Arnold was well apprised of its importance, and it was obviously his design
to strike a fatal blow to the cause of his native country and it was his intention
that it should cost the British nothing more than the price of his own villany
and treason. He had actually removed a New York regiment from the point to
the plain on the east side of the river, and sent off a number of soldiers
from the garrison to cut wood at a distance, and disposed and arranged the
remaining troops in such manner that little or no opposition could have been
made, and an immediate surrender would have been inevitable, or our troops
must have fallen a sacrifice. Deplorable indeed would have been the event,
the loss of this highly important garrison with some of our best officers
and men, the immense quantity of ordnance and military stores, together with
the prodigious panic and gloom which at this critical period must have pervaded
the whole people, could scarcely have failed of being productive of consequences
overwhelming the physical powers and energies of our country. But we are saved
by a miracle, and we are confounded in awful astonishment. In a private letter
General Washington thus expresses himself, respecting this transaction. "In
no instance since the commencement of the war has the interposition of Providence
appeared more remarkably conspicuous than in the rescue of the post and garrison
at West Point. How far Arnold meant to involve me in the catastrophe of this
place, does not appear by any indubitable evidence, and I am rather inclined
to think he did not wish to hazard the more important object, by attempting
to combine two events, the lesser of which might have marred the greater.
A combination of extraordinary circumstances, and unaccountable deprivation
of presence of mind in a man of the first abilities, and the virtue of three
militia men, threw the adjutant general of the British forces, with full proof
of Arnold's intention, into our hands, and but for the egregious folly or
the bewildered conception of Lieutenant, Colonel Jameson, who seemed lost
in astonishment, and not to have known what he was doing, I should undoubtedly
have gotten Arnold. Andre has met his fate, and with that fortitude which
was to be expected from an accomplished man and a gallant officer ; but I
mistake if Arnold is suffering at this time the torments of a mental hell.
He wants feeling. From some traits of his character which have lately come
to my knovvledge, he seems to have been so hacknied in crime, so lost to all
sense of honour and shame, that while his faculties still enable him to continue
his sordid pursuits, there will be no time for remorse."

For the sake of human nature, it were to be wished that a veil
could be forever thrown over so vile an example of depravity and wickedness.
Traitor ! you never can know the precious enjoyment of a quiet conscience
! While you sleep, your heart must be awake, and the voice of Andre must thrill
through your very soul. Though you may console yourself that you have escaped
the gallows, a consciousness of your crimes and the infamy and contempt which
will forever await you, must incessantly harrow and torment, your spirit,
rendering you of all villains, the most wretched and miserable. The only atonement
in your power to alleviate your poignant mental misery, is a humble and hearty
confession, and to implore in sincerity the forgivenessof Heaven !*

Camp, West Point, October 10th.-Our brigade, and three
others, decamped from Orangetown on the 7th instant. Our tents and baggage
were sent up the Hudson in boats, and we took our route through the highlands.
The road was almost impassable through a thick wood and over high mountains,
constantly intersected by prodigious rocks, running brooks and deep vallies.
We arrived at West Point on the evening of the 8th, distance thirty-two miles
; the troops much fatigued and our tents not arrived, took our sleep for the
night on the ground in the woods, and on the 9th, encamped on the plain, near
the banks of the river. General Greene is now commander of this garrison,
and good order takes place of the confusion occasioned by Arnold's elopement.

Joshua Smith, Esquire, the confederate of Arnold, has been tried
by a court martial, of which Colonel Henry Jackson was president; the evidence
against him and his own confession go to prove that he went on board the Vulture,
in the night, and brought on shore a gentleman who was called John Anderson,
to have an interview with General Arnold, that he secreted him in his house,
furnished him with a horse and change of clothes, and that he accompanied
him through our outposts, and directed him into the proper road to New York.
All this, he pleads in his defence, was by the express desire of General Arnold,
who assured him that his object was to obtain some important intelligence
from New York, which would be highly advantageous to the public interest.
He considered himself, therefore, in the character of a confidential agent
in the employment of Arnold, without suspicion of treasonable conduct in this
officer. This pretence is plausible, and it his good fortune that no positive
evidence could be produced to countervail his assertions. Though his actions
appear criminal, yet it is possible his motives and views may have been laudable.
The want of positive evidence, therefore, of his criminality, prevented his
conviction ; but so strong was the circumstantial proof of his guilt, that
it was deemed proper that he should be kept in confinement. Being seized with
indisposition, from apprehension and anxiety of mind, I was requested to visit
him in his prison. I found him very conversable, and he immediately entertained
me with a relation of the particular circumstances of his

* See the character of Arnold, in the Appendix.

case, which agreed substantially with the above statement. He
promised to show me his written defence, produced at his trial, but no future
opportunity occurred. He pretended that it was unjust and cruel that he should
be deprived of his liberty, when no evidence of guilt could be produced against
him. He was soon removed to some prison in the country,* after which his lady
arrived, expecting to find him here. I received a polite billet, requesting
I would wait on her at the house of my friend Major Bowman, where I was introduced
to her and to Mrs. B. and her daughter, with whom I took tea and spent the
evening. Mrs. Smith was grievously disappointed that her husband was removed
; she was very solicitous to be informed of the particular circumstances which
attended him in his illness, and whether he was dejected in spirits, and politely
thanked me for my attention to him. She appears to be an accomplished and
interesting woman, but is in much distress for the fate of her husband. She
could not conceal her natural partiality and bias in his favor, and would
willingly have left the impression which Arnold wished to make, when in his
letter to General Washington, he says of his wife, " she is as good,
and as innocent as an angel, and is incapable of doing wrong."

l5th.-I have just returned from Orangetown, in company
with Captain Hunt, of our regiment, where I was called to visit his brother,
who was left sick when we marched from that place. We dined witli doctors
Eustis and Townsend, at the hospital on our way, and with Captain Livingston,
a respectable officer, commanding at Stony point, on our return.

20th.-Major General Greene has been ordered to this southward,
to take command of the American army in the Carolinas, and Major General Heath
succeeds to the command of this post.

We have the mortifying intelligence, that the enemy has laid
waste a great part of the fertile country above Saratoga, and likewise the
vicinity of Schenectady. The party consisted of Indians, tories, and Canadians,
commanded by Sir John Johnston. General Van Rensselaer, with the militia and
some new levies, engaged the enemy at Fox's mills, Tryon county, and after
a very severe action of three quarters of an hour, forced them to give way
and cross the river, leaving their plunder, baggage, and prisoners, which
they had taken, behind them. One hour of daylight would have given us the
whole party. The action

* Smith was for several months in confinement;
but either from a want of vigilance in his keeper, or the indifference of
the proper authority, he was at length allowed to escape to New York.

was general and vigorous ; we have to lament the loss of Colonel
Brown, who was killed in skirmishing with the enemy. The devastation committed
by this savage party, is found to be very important, as it respects the inhabitants
of the north. It is estimated at two hundred dwellings, one hundred and fifty
thousand bushels of wheat, with a proportion of other grain and forage. The
same party destroyed also the town of Schoharie, but the inhabitants fortunately
secured themselves in the fort.

Official intelligence is received of a very brilliant exploit
of our militia, in North Carolina. The famous royal partizan, Major Ferguson,
was at the head of about one thousand four hundred British troops and tories.
Colonels Campbell, Cleveland, Williams, Shelby and Sevier, brave and enterprising
officers, had collected detached parties of militia, and by agreement, the
whole were united, and formed a body amounting to near three thousand. Colonel
Campbell was appointed their commander. They immediately marched in pursuit
of Major Ferguson, and came up with him advantageously posted, at a place
called King's mountains. No time was lost in making a vigorous attack, and
giving the enemy a total defeat, in which Major Ferguson, and one liundred
and fifty of his men were killed, eight hundred made prisoners, and fifteen
hundred stand of arms taken, with a trifling loss on our side, excepting the
brave Colonel Williams, who received a mortal wound, after being crowned with
honor.

Congress have resolved, that the regular army of the United
States, from and after the first day of January, 1781, shall consist of four
regiments of artillery, forty-nine regiments of infantry, exclusive of Colonel
Hazen's, called " the Congress' own regiment," and one hundred regiment
of artificers. The respective states are to furnish their quotas as proportioned
by Congress. And as by the foregoing arrangement, many deserving officers
may become supernumerary, Congress resolved, that after the reform of the
army takes place, the officers shall be entitled to half pay for seven years,
in specie or other current money, equivalent ; and to have grants of land
at the close of the war, agreeably to the resolution of the 16th September,
1776.

A scarcity of provisions is again complained of in camp.

It has long been the desire of General Washington, to make gome
arrangement with General Clinton, for an exchange of prisoners ; but many
difficulties have attended to prevent the accomplishment of the object. A
partial exchange has now been effected ; Major General Lincoln, who was taken
at Charleston, has been exchanged for Major General Philllps, captured at
Saratoga. General Thompson, and a number of other American officers, who have
long been prisoners, are also liberated by exchange.

November 1st.-A most tremendous storm of wind, snow and
hail has continued almost incessantly for two days. Many of our tents were
levelled with the ground, and officers and men exposed without a shelter.

2d.-This is a day of public Thanksgiving throughout the
state of New York, on occasion of the discovery of Arnold's conspiracy.

3d.-A soldier has been executed to day for desertion,
and persuading others to follow his example.

A large detachment of troops has been ordered by General Heath,
to be in readiness, with two days provision cooked, to march on a foraging
expedition, under command of Brigadier General Stark. The detachment crossed
the Hudson on the 21st instant, and paraded on Nelson's point, where they
were reviewed by the Marquis de Chastellux, one of the generals of the French
army, at Newport. It is understood that the object of the expedition is to
procure a quantity of forage from the farms on the neutral ground, between
the two armies, towards King's bridge. After the review, the Marquis crossed
over to West Point, where his arrival was announced by the discharge of thirteen
cannon. The detachment marched about ten miles, and took lodgings on the ground
in the woods, beside large fires. In the night a severe storm of rain came
on, that drenched our troops, and becoming more violent the next day, rendered
the roads extremely bad, and our march very uncomfortable ; we reached North
Castle, seventeen miles, and lodged in the woods, where our fires did not
secure us from suffering much by wet and cold.

23d.-Marched to West Farms, near West Chester, within
eight miles ofthe enemy's works at King's bridge. Here we kindled numerous
fires in open view of the enemy, and in the evening the troops were ordered
to leave the fires and retire back about two miles, and remain under arms,
prepared for battle ; but the enemy made no advances.

24th.-Another severe storm of rain, which continued through
the day ; we, however, began to march at sunrise, on our return, but soon
halted and took shelter under the bushes near White plains. In this comfortless
situation, we continued through the day and night. The next day, the storm
continuing, I was so fortunate as to crowd into a house with some officers
for shelter. 26th and 27th marched twenty miles each day, and reached our
former station at this place before night.

The country which we lately traversed, about fifty miles in
extent, is called neutral ground ; but the miserable inhabitants who remain,
are not much favored with the privileges which their neutrality ought to secure
to them. They are continually exposed to the ravages and insults of infamous
banditti, composed of royal refugees and tories. The country is rich and fertile,
and the farms appear to have been advantageously cultivated, but it now has
the marks of a country in ruins. A large proportion of the proprietors having
abandoned their farms, the few that remain, find it impossible to harvest
the produce. The meadows and pastures are covered with grass of a summer's
growth, and thousands of bushels of apples and other fruit, are rotting in
the orchards. We brought off about two hundred loads of hay and grain, and
ten times the amount might have been procured, had teams enough been provided.
Those of the inhabitants of the neutral ground who were tories, have joined
their friends in New York, and the whigs have retired into the interior of
our country. Some of each side have taken up arms, and become the most cruel
and deadly foes. There are within the British lines, banditti consisting of
lawless villains, who devote themselves to the most cruel pillage and robbery
among the defenceless inhabitants between the lines, many of whom they carry
off to New York, after plundering their houses and farms. These shameless
marauders have received the names of cow-boys and skinners. By their atrocious
deeds, they have become a scourge and terror to the people. Numerous instances
have been related of these miscreants subjecting defenceless persons to cruel
tortures, to compel them to deliver up their money, or to disclose the places
where it has been secreted. It is not uncommon for them to hang a man by his
neck till apparently dead, then restore him, and repeat the experiment, and
leave him for dead. One of these unhappy persons informed me, that when suffering
this cruel treatment, the last sensation which he recollects, when suspended
by his neck, was a flashing heat over him, like that which would be occasioned
by boiling water poured over his body ; he was however, cut down, and how
long he remained on the ground insensible, he knows not. A peaceable, unresisting
Quaker, of considerable respectability, by the name of Quincy, was visited
by several of these vile ruffians ; they first demanded his money, and after
it was delivered, they suspected he had more concealed, and inflicted on him
the most savage cruelties, in order to extort it from him. They began with
what they call scorching, covering his naked body with hot ashes, and
repeating the application, till the skin was covered with blisters ; after
this they resorted to the halter, and hung the poor man on a tree by his neck,
then took him down, and repeated it a second, and even a third time, and finally
left him almost lifeless.

30th.-It is now well understood that our detachment,
under the pretext of a foraging expedition, was intended by the Commander
in Chief to cooperate with the main army, in an attempt against the enemy's
post on York Island. Boats mounted on travelling carriages, have been kept
with the army all the campaign. The Marquis de la Fayette, at the head of
his beautiful corps of light Infantry, constantly advancing in front, was
to have commenced the attack in the night, and the whole army was prepared
to make a general attack on the enemy's works. By some movement of the British
vessels, or other cause, known only to the Commander in Chief and his confidential
officers, this noble enterprise was unfortunately defeated. The campaign is
now brought to a close, without effecting any very important object. We have
several times offered the enemy battle, but they refuse to accept the challenge.
The Marquis suffers on this occasion the most painful disappointment. He had
spared no pains or expense to render his corps of infantry as fine a body
of troops as can be produced in any country ; every officer under his command
received from him a present of an elegant sword, and the soldiers were put
in uniform at his expense. The officers cheerfully seconded his endeavors
to perfect the men in discipline, and a noble spirit of emulation universally
prevailed among them. The Marquis viewed this corps as one formed and modelled
according to his own wishes, and as meriting his highest confidence. They
were the pride of his heart, and he was the idol of their regard, who were
constantly panting for an opportunity of accomplishing some signal achievement,
worthy of his and their character. This brilliant corps is now dissolved,
and the men have rejoined their respective regiments, and we are soon to retire
into the wilderness, to prepare for winter quarters.

Intelligence is received from Boston, that his Excellency John
Hancock, has been elected by the people of the state of Massachusetts, the
first Governor under their new constitution. This event affords universal
satisfaction, and has been announced in Boston, by public rejoicing, firing
of thirteen cannon, military parade, feu de joie, and elegant entertainments.

It is with inexpressible satisfaction that we learn the patriotic
ladies of Philadelphia and its vicinity, have distinguished themselves by
a generous and liberal regard to the sufferings of our soldiery, and have
engaged in the benevolent work of raising contributions among themselves,
and stimulating others for the purpose of affording a temporary relief for
the soldiers on service in that vicinity. I extract from the newspapers, the
sentiments of an " American Woman," addressed to American ladies,
relative to the subject, which should be recorded for the honor of the sex.

" On the commencement of actual war, the women of America
manifested a firm resolution to contribute as much as could depend on them,
to the deliverance of their country. Animated by the purest patriotism, they
are full of sorrow at this day, in not offering more than barren wishes for
the success of so glorious a revolution. They aspire to render themselves
more really useful; and this sentiment is universal, from the north to the
south of the Thirteen United States. Our ambition is kindled by the fame of
those heroines of antiquity, who have rendered their sex illustrious, and
have proved to the world, that, if the weakness of our constitution, if opinion
and manners did not forbid us to march to glory by the same path as the men,
we should at least equal, and sometimes surpass them in our love for the public
good. I glory in all that my sex have done that is great and commendable.
I call to mind with enthusiasm and with admiration, all those acts of courage,
of constancy, and patriotism, which history has transmitted to us ; the people
favored by Heaven, preserved from destruction by the virtues; the zeal, and
the resolution of Deborah, of Judith, of Esther, the fortitude of the mother
of the Maccabees, in giving up her sons to die before her eyes ; Rome saved
from the fury of a victorious enemy by the efforts of Volumnia, and other
Roman ladies; so many famous sieges where the wmen have been seen forgetting
the weakness of their sex, building new walls, digging trenches with their
feeble hands, furnishing arms to their defenders, they themselves darting
the missile weapons on the enemy, resigning the ornaments of their apparel,
and their fortune, to fill the public treasury, and to hasten the deliverance
of their country ; burying themselves under its ruins ; throwing themselves
into the flames, rather than submit to the disgrace of humiliation before
a proud enemy.

" We are certain that he cannot be a good citizen, who
will not applaud our efforts for the relief of the armies which defend our
lives, our possessions, our liberty. The situation of our soldiery has been
represented to me ; the evils inseparable from war, and the firm and generous
spirit which has enabled them to support these. But it has been said, that
they may apprehend, that, in the course of a long war, the view of their distresses
may be lost, and their services be forgotten. Forgotten ; never ; I can answer
in the name of all my sex. Brave Americans, your disinterestedness, your courage,
and your constancy will always be dear to America, so long as she shall preserve
her virtue.

" We know that at a distance from the theatre of war, if
we enjoy any tranquillity, it is the fruit of your watchings, your labors,
your dangers. If I live happy in the midst of my family ; if my husband cultivates
his field, and reaps his harvest in peace ; if, surrounded with my children,
I myself nourish the youngest, and press it to my bosom, without being afraid
of seeing myself separated from it by a ferocious enemy ; if the house in
which we dwell, if our barns, our orchards are safe at the present time from
the hands of the incendiary ; it is to you that we owe it. And shall we hesitate
to evidence to you our gratitude ? shall we hesitate to wear a clothing more
simple, hair dressed less elegantly; while at the price of this small privation,
we shall deserve your benedictions. Who amongst us will not renounce with
the highest pleasure, those vain ornaments, when she shall consider that the
valiant defenders of America will be able to draw some advantage from the
money which she may havelaid out in these,-that they will be better defended
from the rigors of the seasons, that after their painful toils they will receive
some extraordinary and unexpected relief; that these presents will perhaps
be valued by them at a greater price, when they will have it in their power
to say, this is the offering of the ladies. The time is arrived to display
the same sentiments which animated us at the beginning of the revolution,
when we renounced the use of teas, however agreeable to our taste, rather
than receive them from our persecutors ; when we made it appear to them that
we placed former necessaries in the rank of superfluities, when our liberty
was interested ; when our republican and laborious hands spun the flax, and
prepared the linen intended for the use of our soldiers ; when exiles and
fugitives, we supported with courage all the evils which are the concomitants
of war. Let us not lose a moment, let us be engaged to offer the homage of
our gratitude at the altar of military valor, and you, our brave deliverers,
while mercenary slaves combat to cause you to share with them the irons with
which they are loaded, receive with a free hand our offering, the purest which
can be presented to your virtue."

After this publication, the ladies divided the city of Philadelphia
into districts, and a select number visited every house, and received the
contribution. The method proposed of distributing their bounty to the troops,
was through the medium of Mrs. Washington, but in her absence, through that
of her husband, the father and friend of the soldiery. From the kind and generous
exertions of these ladies, the soldiers received at one time, two thousand
one hundred and seven shirts, made by their own hands. Such free will offerings
are examples truly worthy of imitation, and are to be considered as expressions
of kindness and benevolence, which ought to be recorded to the honor of American
ladies,

Camp, High Lands, December 1st.-Our brigade is now ordered
into the woods, in the High Lands, in the rear of West Point, where we are
to build log huts, for winter cantonments. We are again subjected to numerous
privations and difficulties, to support which requires all our patience and
fortitude. The soldiers, though very miserably clad, have been for some time
obliged to bring all the wood for themselves and officers, on their backs,
from a place a mile distant, and almost half the time are kept on half allowance
of bread, and entirely without rum. Twelve or fourteen months pay are now
due to us, and we are destitute of clothing and the necessaries of life. The
weather is remarkably cold, and our tents are comfortless.

10th.-For three days past, I have not been able to procure
food enough to appease my appetite ; we are threatened with starvation. That
a part of our army charged with the defence of a post so highly important
to America, should be left in such an unprovided and destitute condition,
is truly a matter of astonishment, and unless a remedy can be found, our soldiers
will abandon the cause of their country, and we must submit to the yoke of
Great Britain, which we so much abhor.

20th.-During the last ten days we have experienced almost
continued storms of rain, high winds, and disagreeable fogs. Our canvass dwellings
afford us but little protection against such powerful assailants; they are
frequently rent asunder, and we are almost overwhelmed with inundation.

A very spirited and honorable enterprise has lately been planned
and executed by Major Talmadge, of Colonel Sheldon's regiment of dragoons.
The enemy having large magazines of forage and stores in the vicinity of fort
St. George, on Long Island, he resolved to hazard the attempt to seize them
by surprise. Fort St. George was stockaded, and covered a large spot of ground,
having a square redoubt, with a ditch and abattis. With about eighty dismounted
dragoons, under Captain Edgar, and eight or ten on horseback, Major Talmadge
passed the Sound, where it was about twenty miles from shore to shore, marched
across the island in the night with such facility and address, that his enterprise
was crowned with complete success. The enemy were not alarmed till too late
to make much resistance ; seven however were killed and wounded, and the remainder,
amounting to fifty-four, among whom were one lieutenant colonel, one captain,
and a subaltern, were made prisoners. The fort was demolished, two armed vessels
were burnt, and a large magazine of hay, said to be three hundred tons, with
stores to a large amount, shared the same fate. Major Talmadge recrossed the
Sound with his brave party without the loss of a man. The Commander in Chief
was so well pleased with this exploit, that he recommended Major Talmadge
to the notice of Congress, and they voted him their thanks for his brave and
spirited conduct.

The extraordinary patience and fortitude, which have hitherto
been so honorably displayed by our officers and soldiers under their complicated
distresses, appear now to be exhausted. From repeated disappointments of our
hopes and expectations, the confidence of the army in public justice, and
public promises, is greatly diminished, and we are reduced almost to despair.

The present crisis is alarming. Regimental officers are continually
resigning their commissions, and a large proportion of those who remain, have
pledged themselves to follow their example, unless a redress of grievances
can soon be obtained. Nothing short of what we conceive to be justly our due,
a comfortable and permanent support, will retain our officers, however ardent
their desire to serve their country. They exclaim, let others come and take
their turn, we have served years longer than we expected, and have acquitted
ourselves of duty. All the general officers belonging to New England, have
united in a memorial to their state governments, complaining of our grievances,
and requesting immediate relief, and security for the future. This memorial,
being put into the mail, was taken from the Fishkill post rider, by some emissary
from the enemy, and has been published in the New York papers, by which our
forlorn situation has been exposed, and much exultation occasioned among those
who are watching for our destruction.

The resolution of Congress, for a new arrangement of the army,
was not conformable to the expectations of the officers, and caused uneasiness
among them. The Commander in Chief saw that a storm was gathering, and thought
it prudent, on this occasion, to communicate his opinion to Congress, on the
best means to avert it. On the llth of October, he informed Congress, "
that the general topic of declamation in the army is, that it is as hard as
dishonorable, for men who had made every sacrifice to the service, to be turned
out of it, at the pleasure of those in power, without an adequate compensation.
Too many of the officers wish to get rid of their commissions, but they are
not willing to be forced to it."

The Commander in Chief, in his communication to Congress, suggests
the policy of making ample provision, both for the officers who stay, and
for those who are reduced. He recommended what he thought would be the most
economical, the most politic, and the most effectual provision, half pay for
life. "Supported," the General says," by a prospect of a permanent
dependence, the officers would be tied to the service, and would submit to
many momentary privations, and to the inconveniences, which the situation
of the public service makes unavoidable. If the objection drawn from the principle,
that this measure is incompatible with the genius of our government, be thought
insurmountable, I would propose a substitute, less eligible in my opinion,
but which may answer the purpose ; it is to make the present half pay, for
seven years, whole pay, for the same period, to be advanced at two different
payments, one half in a year after the conclusion of peace, the other half
in two years after."

His Excellency also takes notice of the injuries and inconveniences,
which attend a continual change of officers, and consequent promotions in
the army.

Soon after Congress were possessed of the sentiments of General
Washington, they resolved, " that the commander in chief and commanding
officer in the northern department, direct the officers of each state to meet
and agree on the officers for the regiments to be raised by their respective
states, from those who incline to continue in service, and where it cannot
be done by agreement, to be determined by seniority ; and make return of those
who are to remain, which is to be transmitted to Congress, together with the
games of the officers reduced, who are to be allowed half pay for life. That
the officers, who shall continue in service to the end of the war, shall also
be entitled to half pay during life, to commence from the time of their reduction."